Breaking Ground
What is your favorite fictional story? Why?
The Dig
This Sunday, we began our new series Jesus the Christ, where we’re exploring the person & teachings of Jesus, the center of our community.
Who is Jesus to you today? What comes to mind when you think about him? How has this changed over the course of your life?
Read Matthew 13:1-9. In this parable, Jesus describes the diverse responses to his teachings & ministry. Reflect upon each element that Jesus deploys in this parable.
What stands out to you about the sower in this parable? What are his goals? Where does he sow & how does he go about doing so?
What might the seeds & different types of soils represent (remember with parables there can be many true answers simultaneously)? How do these two elements interact & how does this impact whether each produces a harvest or not?
Close by reflecting on how this speaks to our discipleship, spiritual growth, & relationship with Jesus.
Where do you relate to each type of soil when it comes to your spiritual journey? How have you seen this change over the course of your life?
Which type of soil do you relate to the most in this current season of your life? Why?
How could you seek to better reflect the sower & a healthier form of soil in this coming season of life? What would you need to change in order to do so?
Getting Out of the Hole
Take time to reflect on the Sunday sermon & how this week’s teaching might speak into your daily life.
- Read Matthew 13:1-9. Think about the various elements of Jesus’ parable. How do each relate to one another? How are they similar & different? What does this reveal about what Jesus thinks each represents?
- Which soil do you relate to the most in this season of your life? How does this reflect the quality of your discipleship in this season?
- How can you shift your life to better reflect a soil that produces a harvest of life? What would this tangibly look like?
Journal, reflect, & pray on how God might be speaking to you through each week’s teaching. Share your experience with your growth group next week!
Additional Resources*
TheBibleProject.com
Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi by Amy-Jill Levine
Simply Jesus by NT Wright
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, September 8th: Join us next Sunday as we continue our new series Jesus the Christ!
* Please see mye3.org for details.