Stories Jesus Told: Mustard Seed and Yeast

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we place this time in your hands. Make of it what you know, in your

wisdom, is best for us. Make of us what you will.

Open us. Grow us. Awaken us.

We welcome your Spirit into this circle and thank you for your faithful presence. Amen.

● What word or image comes to your mind when you think of the kingdom of God?

Read Matthew 13:31-33

These two very short parables come after and alongside two longer parables involving seeds.

● What are the characteristics of mustard seeds (which is incredibly tiny) and leaven? How

are they similar?

● Why would Jesus compare the kingdom of heaven (of God) to these things? Why does

he use things so hard to see?

● Why do you suppose Jesus told parables so often, instead of just giving doctrinal

principles or theological explanations?

● Do you ever discount your contribution to the work of God because it doesn’t seem big

enough? If so, how?

● In the sermon it was said that parables are “a call for faith in the God who is active in the

tiny movement initiated by Jesus.” In what small ways can you identify the Lord working

in our world? In the circles of your influence? In your own life?

As you close in prayer, end with this: Lord Jesus, give me the faith to see how you are active in

the smallest of ways, in the smallest of actions, in the hidden ways. Amen.