Message Notes
Matthew 13:1-23 – The Parable of the Sower(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 – The Parable of the Weeds(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Matthew 13:31-35 – The Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Matthew 13:44-46 – The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl(MULTILINE REVEAL TINY)
Heaven
Jesus
And We
- Live as Seed-Receivers
- Live with Patient Hope
- Live with Bold Faith
- Live with Kingdom Priorities
Praying Together
Praise the Lord
- for the gift of faith to trust Him with our financial futures, including our ongoing giving to the Lord through the ministry here.
- for using us to be part of bringing Jesus to our city, region, state, nation, and world.
- for the goal of enriching our city and county.
- for the physical and emotional healing of those in and connected to our church community.
- for all the new people the Lord is sending to join with us who are experiencing hope in Jesus.
- What are you praising the Lord for this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
Ask the Lord
- to bless, expand, and protect our brothers and sisters of the persecuted Church, especially in Cameroon.
- to bless, provide, and empower our brothers and sisters of the Church of Merced.
- for the healing of physical and emotional illness of those in and connected to our church community.
- for our military member of the week: Jaxson Ingraham, Navy.
- for the blessing and success of our missionary of the week: Lorne and Judy Hunter with Outreach Canada.
- What are you asking the Lord about this week?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
Discussion Guide
CHECKING IN
What’s something small that had a surprisingly big impact on your life–like a mustard-seed moment?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
CONVERSATION
- What is one thing that stood out to you from Sunday’s message?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- Jesus used modern examples to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. Just for fun: if the Kingdom of Heaven were a modern invention or trend, what would it be? For example, The Kingdom of God is like Wi-Fi. Invisible, but it changes everything once you connect.(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
CONSIDERATION
- As part of your S.I.P.S. (Sing, Investigate, Pray, Stay) for today, read Matthew 13:1-46 and then answer the following questions.
- What comes to mind when you hear (or read) “the Kingdom of God”?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- Which parable is your favorite? Why?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- Jesus often said, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.”What do you think keeps people today from truly hearing and understanding God’s Word?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- How would you know that Jesus is King of your life? Are there any areas where you still need to recognize His lordship?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- How do you handle living in a world where good and evil grow side by side? How can we remain faithful without becoming cynical or discouraged?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- Why do you think Jesus compares the Kingdom to something hidden and costly? What does it look like today to “sell everything” for the sake of the Kingdom?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
CONNECTION
How might your daily decisions (job, family, finances, or relationships) look different if you viewed them through the lens of God’s Kingdom instead of your own comfort or success?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
Addendum: Marriage Groups
CONVERSATION
What’s something small your spouse does that makes a big difference in your day (a “mustard seed” kind of gesture)?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
CONSIDERATION
- Sometimes frustrations or unmet expectations are like “weeds” in a marriage. How can you deal with them without destroying the “wheat” — the good God is growing between you?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
- What would it look like for your marriage to be a visible sign of God’s Kingdom in today’s culture — not perfect, but a living picture of grace, forgiveness, and joy?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
CONNECTION
What “seed” do you feel God wants you and your spouse to plant together this season — in your family, church, or community?(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)