Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Jon reminded us that it’s our inclusion into the Body of Christ that enables us to fully understand the Gospel and the impact of our role in the Kingdom of God.

MY STORY

Describe a time when you were excluded from a group, and it broke your heart.

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

“‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,

and you will indeed see but never perceive.”

For this people's heart has grown dull,

and with their ears they can barely hear,

and their eyes they have closed,

lest they should see with their eyes

and hear with their ears

and understand with their heart

and turn, and I would heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. (Matthew 13:10-17)

Why did Jesus choose parables over speaking plainly? Why wouldn’t he want everyone to understand him right away?

Why would a good God want to hide His true message from those with already hardened hearts? What might they do with that truth if they did understand it?

According to Jesus, why should those who follow him with their whole heart consider themselves to be blessed, at least in regard to the parables?

What does God want us to hear? Based on the passages above, what are the factual “takeaways” that are meaningful to you?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?

What impacts our ability to fully understand and internalize Jesus’ parables?

How do we begin to develop insight and spiritual sensitivity, with the help of the Holy Spirit, so that we can apply the biblical principles behind Jesus’ parables?

What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, nudging us toward?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?

If you were to ask God for more spiritual insight than he’s already given you, what would that be?

Who can you help this week, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to get to the next level of spiritual understanding?

What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step that the Holy Spirit is calling you toward?