Mark 4:26-34

Jesus always GROWS those who hear & accept

Mark 4:26-29 “26 Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. 28 The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. 29 And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
Rely on God & His Word to be POWERFUL

Jesus’ work may start small but ends HUGE

Mark 4:30-34 “30 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? 31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, 32 but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. 34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

With Jesus, don’t be discouraged by poor ODDS

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

What are some of your favorite “underdog” stories?
Why do you think we find “underdog” stories so compelling?
If we are trying to follow Jesus, what are some things in everyday life that can discourage us from growing closer to Him?

Read Mark 4:26-29
In your own words, how would you describe the meaning of this parable?
What’s the relationship between how I hear and accept what Jesus & the Bible teach and how God grows me?
How do you deal with times of uncertainty/mystery as to how God is working?
What are common phases of growth and development people go through before they become a follower of Jesus?  How about after?
What does it mean to rely on God’s Word to be powerful, and how does that relate to how we grow?

Read Mark 4:30-34
In your own words, how would you describe the meaning of this parable?
Have you ever faced daunting or discouraging odds in overcoming a problem?  What was the outcome?How does Jesus bring hope or power in these moments?  Would anyone be willing to talk about a time when God brought them through discouragement or a small chance of success?  How can we see this illustrated in church history?