GOING DEEPER
10.03.2021 | WE ARE THE OUTSIDERS | Wk 4: “Parables”
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Breaking Ground
What was your favorite kids story or fairytale growing up? Why?
The Dig
This week, we continue through the Gospel of Mark & reflect on Jesus’ parables – the short, ambiguous, open-ended, imaginative stories that he relies on to teach about the upside-down nature & values of the Kingdom of God.
Why do you think Jesus turns to stories for teaching on the Kingdom instead of straightforward, concise, informational lectures?
Read Mark 4:30-32. Take time to reflect on the key elements of this parable about the Kingdom of God.
- A small seed, with time & care, produces an unexpectedly large plant.
- Mustard plants, which were considered a spreading weed, were widely available & sources of both flavoring & medicine.
- The plant is hidden (buried out of sight) for a time until it becomes visible & accessible.
- Once mature, it produces an aid to life outside of itself (provides shelter for birds to come & rest).
Why do you think Jesus compares the Kingdom to a small seed that produces an unexpectedly big plant? What insights does this give us into the Kingdom of God & spirituality?
Why do you think Jesus chooses to compare the Kingdom to a shrub one could find in their backyard, instead of a giant tree from his region (like the cedar)?
What does the mustard tree teach us about the purpose of the Kingdom & spirituality in our lives? That is – it ultimately is planted to provide food, flavoring, medicine, & shade universally to others that come across it.
Reflect on where this parable speaks to you right now.
Where do you make early judgments on the value of something (or someone), writing it or them off, instead of letting things mature before making such judgments?
Where do you seek a triumphal vision of spirituality rather than seeing it as something small & slow growing that is primarily found in your own backyard?
Where is your spirituality leading you to become a source of flavoring, health, & rest for others who come across your path?
Getting Out of the Hole
During this series, reflect on each week’s message:
- Read through the parables found in Mark chapter 4.
- Sit with each one &, instead of seeking a clear “meaning,” ask yourself, “What is this saying to me right now about how I live my life?” Find yourself in the story.
- Journal about what comes to mind & seek to apply one of these parables to a current circumstance in your life.
Journal, reflect, & pray on how God might be speaking to you through this week’s teaching. Share your experience with your growth group next week!
Additional Resources*
Simply Jesus by NT Wright
Jesus & The Victory of God by NT Wright
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
TheBibleProject.com
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, October 10th: Join us for week 5 of our new series where we are journeying through the Gospel of Mark!
* Please see mye3.org for details.