Small Group Questions:

1. 1. What do you think Jesus intended to achieve by teaching in parables? Why do you think he used stories and metaphors instead of straightforward teachings?
   2. Choose a parable and brainstorm practical ways to live out its teachings in our daily lives and within our community.
   3. How do Jesus’ parables reveal the nature and values of God’s Kingdom? In what ways do they challenge our understanding of power, success, and righteousness?
   4. God’s kingdom is full of righteousness, peace, and joy. Where are you living that out in your life?

THE MAIN POINT

Matthew wants his readers to understand that the Kingdom of Heaven is remarkably different than what we often want it to be. The kingdom of heaven is where God rules and reigns. It is a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy.

THE BIBLE

Matthew 13, Romans 14:17

THE CONTEXT

Imagine gazing at a painting in an art museum. Amid similar pieces, this one stands out with its captivating colors and shapes, though its meaning isn’t immediately clear.

Art aims to communicate, yet its messages can be ambiguous. Why not express ideas more directly? However, clarity might diminish rather than enhance the impact, a view Jesus might share. Jesus, an artist of sorts, often used mysterious parables—short, fictional stories with vivid metaphors—to convey his profound messages. Why did he, of all teachers, choose such abstract methods? And how can we decipher his intended meanings?

Jesus’ imagery is so unexpected that immediately after he concludes teaching in parables (Matthew 13:10), his followers ask him point blank, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” Jesus’ answer is surprising. Drawing from the prophet Isaiah, he explains that his parables are intended to be ambiguous, at least for some people.

In Isaiah’s book, God tells him to warn Israel about their upcoming punishment, even though they won’t listen (Isaiah 6:8-13). God compares Israel to a tree being cut down but promises that a new hope will grow from the stump—a holy seed. Isaiah also tells King Ahaz that a virgin will have a son named Immanuel, a sign from God (Isaiah 7:14).

In the following chapters, Isaiah describes this hope as a new shoot growing from the stump—a future king who will save God’s people, bring all nations together under his rule and bring justice and peace forever. Jesus, like Isaiah, uses stories (parables) with hidden meanings to teach important lessons. By this point in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ followers believe he is the promised messiah who will bring God’s Kingdom. Jesus knows many people won’t understand his message, just like in Isaiah’s time. He is not shrouding his message in mystery to include some while excluding others. He understood that not everyone would miss the parable’s meaning. And any curious listener could stick around to ask, along with the disciples, about the parable’s meaning. And yet, even to friends of Jesus, the Kingdom of Heaven is often mysterious. Sometimes Jesus alleviates that mystery, but sometimes he doesn’t.

As we read parables, we shouldn’t focus on mining the text for doctrine or sifting for one-liner life lessons. Jesus is concerned with the power of creative imagery, symbolism, and beauty, and we should be too. He wants his audience to do more than listen and think; he wants them to imagine and feel, to be challenged and provoked.

THE CORE

As you prepare the core of the message using personal stories and questions keep in mind these points:

Matthew 13 has a number of parables. As we look through the lens of abundant joy this year, there is much to learn about joy from each parable. As you teach, you could give a summary of them all, or pick one or two.

The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23): Joy in fruitful reception of God’s word. The seed that falls on good soil represents those who hear and understand the message, leading to a fruitful life that brings joy to both the believer and God.

The Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43): Joy in the assurance of God’s justice. Despite the presence of evil (weeds), God promises to ultimately separate and judge rightly, bringing joy to those who long for righteousness.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32): Joy in the growth of God’s Kingdom. The small mustard seed grows into a large plant, illustrating how God’s Kingdom starts small but grows significantly, bringing joy in its expansion and influence.

The Parable of the Yeast (Matthew 13:33): Joy in the transformative power of God’s Kingdom. Like yeast leavens dough, God’s Kingdom transforms lives and societies, bringing joy through positive change and renewal.

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44): Joy in discovering the Kingdom’s value. Finding the hidden treasure (the Kingdom) brings immense joy and prompts a response of wholehearted commitment and sacrifice.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value (Matthew 13:45-46): Joy in prioritizing the Kingdom above all else. Recognizing the surpassing value of the Kingdom brings joy and prompts a willing sacrifice of lesser things for the sake of gaining it.

The Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47-50): Joy in the future completeness of God’s Kingdom. The net gathers fish of every kind, illustrating the inclusive nature of God’s Kingdom, where all nations and peoples will find joy in God’s final judgment and restoration.

THE APPLICATION

As you prepare the application, challenge and/or encouragement, keep in mind these points:

• Joy in Reception: Discuss how joy is found in receiving and understanding God’s word (Parable of the Sower).
• Joy in Growth: Explore how joy is found in the growth and influence of God’s Kingdom (Parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast).
• Joy in Value: Reflect on the joy of discovering and prioritizing the Kingdom above all else (Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Value).
• Joy in Justice: Consider the joy of God’s promise to judge rightly and bring about justice (Parable of the Weeds and the Net).