Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Matt reminded us that if you want to understand Jesus, you have to understand the Kingdom. And when it comes to the kingdom, when you discover its extraordinary value, you don’t have to convince yourself to respond.

MY STORY

Describe the best deal you ever landed on something tangible.

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:44-46)

Pastor Matt said, “Jesus gives us two pictures: one of a man who finds treasure hidden in a field, and another of a merchant who is searching for a fine pearl. One discovers something unexpected. The other has spent his life searching for something of incomparable value. But both men have the same response. When they finally encounter what they have been looking for, they are willing to give up everything to possess it.”

Compare what’s different in the stories – one man stumbled on treasure; the other searched purposely – and discuss what the identical lesson is in each story.

Why is the man, who found the treasure, filled with joy – even as he is selling all his possessions? What is impacting his emotional state?

What do these two parables tell us about the relative value of having a role in the Kingdom of God versus building our own mini-kingdoms?

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?

Pastor Matt said, “Jesus’ words in Matthew 13 are not about what we have to give up. They are about what we have discovered. The man who finds the treasure does not sell everything because he hates his possessions. He sells everything because he has found something better. The merchant does not sacrifice everything because he is being forced to. He does it because the pearl is worth it.”

Make a list of the top ten things that you value in life.

Which of these things do you have because of your role in the Kingdom of God? How are these things supporting your role in the Kingdom? Are any of these things thwarting your ability to focus on Kingdom values? If so, what’s a good step to remedy that?

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

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?

Pastor Matt said, “The one thing I can truly surrender is my own heart. My own life. My own desires. My own plans. The place where the Kingdom begins is the place where I say, Jesus, You are King. Your way is better than my way. Your wisdom is greater than my wisdom. Your Kingdom is worth more than anything I could ever hold onto.”

Think about the things you said you valued. If you regard the Kingdom of Heaven as the reign and rule of God, how does that affect the shaping of your values?

What parts of your heart have you surrendered in order to be “obstacle-free” in regard to your commitment to the Kingdom? Which areas of your life, perhaps, need to be surrendered, for the sake of the Kingdom? Who could help you to release those things?

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