Review of Parables

Text: Mark 4:30-32, Matthew 13:31, Luke 13:18-19
5 January 2014

REVIEW OF PARABLES

1. The Sower and the Soils

Focus: Heart

2. The Lamp on the Lampstand

Focus: Light

3. The Growing Seed

Focus: Growth

PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED

Focus: Potential

1. Mustard Seed

A common garden herb

2. Potential of the mustard seed

Capable of great growth

POINT OF THIS PARABLE

Challenge to realise potential

1. Special consideration

The Kingdom of God

2. Spiritual potential

a) Personal growth
b) Blessing to many

CHOSEN MEANS OF TEACHING

1. Parables

2. Other parables of the Kingdom            Matthew 13

3. Explanation of the Kingdom Parables

a) To all who are interested
b) To all who are disciples

CHALLENGES FOR 2014

1. Seek first the Kingdom of God            Matthew 6:33

2. Discipleship

3. Potential growth

POEMS – Charles Tan

PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED

The Parable of the Mustard Seed brings a great thrill to the soul,
Believing in Jesus is much more than making the heart whole.
There lies within the seed of faith in the word of God,
The potential to become a great servant of the Lord.

The mustard is but a common garden variety kind of seed,
In appearance it is even smaller than other herbs indeed.
But when it is sown and carefully nurtured it can truly grow,
The growth of the mustard seed brings to the heart a special glow.

It can grow far greater than all other herbs that are planted in the ground,
The humble mustard seed displays the potential of the Gospel true and sound.
The mustard can shoot forth strong branches that offer shade,
The birds of the air can even find shelter in its glade.

The power of the Gospel of the kingdom of God has power indeed,
It all begins with the planting of the Gospel seed.
Our soul must thrill to the hope that this parable points,
Our heart must desire to seek this power, with which God anoints.

Inspiration: Mark 4:30-32