GCF Hays Unknown

Life Group Questions

Matthew 13:44 (HCSB)— The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.

1.    In this parable, some say the treasure metaphorically represents Jesus while the Man represents us. Is there a problem with this interpretation? If so, what is the problem?

2.    Metaphorically, what is the treasure? And who is the man?

3.    What is the field, and who is the landowner?

4.    To obtain the hidden treasure, the man had to make a costly purchase of the entire field. He sold everything to make this purchase, but he did it “in his joy.” What actions of Jesus is this parable referencing? Explain what was so costly about the purchase by Jesus and why Jesus did it “in his joy.”

5.    From this parable, what have you learned about the Kingdom of God?

Life Group Questions
 
1.  Pastor Ryan explained that the mustard seed and leaven parables are the same but slightly different. How are they the same and how do they differ?
 
2.  Who does the woman in this parable represent and why do some people have a problem with this?
 
3.  What does the leaven represent? What does the flour represent?
 
4.  Pastor Ryan explained that in the first century, people knew that “three measures” equaled “1 ephah”. What was the significance of Jesus saying “three measures” of flour rather than “1 ephah”?
 
5.  Read Psalm 110:3 & Psalm 51:12. Can you honestly say that you offer yourself freely to the Lord with a willing spirit? What needs to change?

1.  What started small for you and has blossomed into something significant?
 
2.  Where in your life could you use a mustard seed of Faith?
 
3.  What can you scale back to allow room for God to grow this Faith inside of you? 
 
4.  What are you holding on to or attempting to control that you need to surrender?
 
5.  What can you do to be in more constant conversation and relationship with God on a daily basis?

Life Group Questions
 
1.  In Matthew 13, Jesus mentions seeds in both of the first two parables. What did the seed represent in parable #1 and what did it represent in parable #2? What is the significance of this for us?
 
2.  What is a tare? How can a Christian resemble a tare if they are not careful?
 
3.  Many people assume that the harvest time in this parable is at the end of the world. Why does this not make sense biblically? Bonus question: When is the harvest time?
 
4.  Read Matthew 21:43. Who is speaking? To whom are they speaking? What does this mean?
 
5.  What does the barn represent in this parable? The wheat is gathered and put in the barn. What does this mean?

Life Group Questions
 
1.  Pastor Ryan described the doctrine of defeat (dispensationalism) which didn’t exist prior to the 1850’s. Because of the Scofield Reference Bible and other influences, the American church adopted a defeatist mentality. What do you believe about the future?
 
2.  What is the difference between a sub-culture and a counter-culture? What is the church called to be?
 
3.  The Jews in biblical times thought in two time periods. The age of the law and the prophets and the age of the messianic kingdom. Both ages existed simultaneously between 30-70AD. Why did this happen and what does it mean?
 
4.  When we read “last days” in the bible, what is it referring to?
 
5.  The kingdom of God is referenced over 160 times in the New Testament. What is your understanding of God’s kingdom and the role you are to play in building it?

Life Group Questions
 
1. Who brought you to church? Share your testimony.
 
2. Our “Find, Tell, Bring” series has inspired us to invite people to church for Easter and beyond. Have you thought about who you would like to invite yet? If so, have you already extended the invitation? If so, how did it go? If not, what’s holding you back?
 
3. Pastor Rob said to “keep it simple” when inviting others; to share simple truths from scriptures and how they changed your life. What simple truth can you share from scripture that will inspire others to come and join the party?
 
4. Building relationships is crucial. Pastor Rob shared a life-changing story from a church member about how an invitation to a Cody Johnson concert transformed his life. If it wasn’t for his Christian friends who invited him out, he would still be an atheist. This story highlights the significance of inviting people into our community and making them feel loved and accepted. What could you invite someone to outside of church to further your relationship with them?