The Kingdom of God (Module 3)

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What does "The Kingdom of God" mean?

It refers to people who regard God as their King/ruler and people of faith who worship God.

What quote did Jesus preach at the beginning of His ministry?

"Turn away from your sins; the kingdom of heaven is near."

Why does Matthew use "Kingdom of Heaven" instead of "Kingdom of God"?

Matthew was a Jew writing to Jews and avoided using God's name because of its holiness.

What is a parable?

A story about everyday life that illustrates a spiritual truth about God.

Name me at least 2 reasons that explain why Jesus used parables.

• Parables were a familiar teaching method that people already knew.

• Parables were simple, easy to understand and easy to remember.

• Parables challenged people to work out the meaning for themselves.

• Parables showed that Jesus understood and appreciated people's lives, making Him relatable.

• Parables were interesting and caught people's attention.

Name me the chapter and 2 sets of verses from the Parable of the Sower.

Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23

What type of parable is the Parable of the Sower?

An allegory.

What is an allegory?

A type of parable where characters and events represent real people and events, and every detail has meaning.

What does the sower/man represent in the Parable of the Sower?

God.

What does the seed represent in the Parable of the Sower?

The Word of God.

What does the path represent in the Parable of the Sower?

Those who hear the message about the Kingdom but do not understand it.

What do the birds represent in the Parable of the Sower?

The Evil One, who snatches away what was sown.

What does the rocky ground represent in the Parable of the Sower?

Those who receive the message gladly but do not develop deep enough faith, so they give up when trouble or persecution comes.

What does the sun represent in the Parable of the Sower?

Trouble or persecution because of the message.

What do the thorn bushes represent in the Parable of the Sower?

Those whose faith is choked by worries about life and the love of riches.

What does the good soil represent in the Parable of the Sower?

Those who hear and understand God's message and bear fruit.

What is the main message of the Parable of the Sower?

People respond to God's Word in different ways, but those who understand and remain committed to it will grow as Christians and bear fruit.

What does Matthew emphasise about the good soil in the Parable of the Sower?

MIND. The person hears and understands the Word.

What does Mark emphasise about the good soil in the Parable of the Sower?

HEART. The person hears, accepts and bears fruit.

What does Luke emphasise about the good soil in the Parable of the Sower?

WILL. The person hears, holds the Word firmly and bears fruit.

How can friendships/relations distract Christians from their faith today?

Negative influences.

How can money/career distract Christians from their faith today?

Can become more important than God.

How can hobbies/activities distract Christians from their faith today?

Could possible conflict God's wishes.

Why might modern Christians struggle to believe in faith?

Because some people find it difficult to believe in something they cannot see.

How can Christians bear fruit?

By telling others about God, studying the Bible, praying, maintaining a relationship with God and displaying the fruits of the Spirit such as patience and kindness.

Name me the chapter and 2 sets of verses from the Parable of the Weeds.

Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43

What does the sower represent in the Parable of the Weeds?

Jesus / the Son of Man.

What does the field represent in the Parable of the Weeds?

The world.

What does the good seed represent in the Parable of the Weeds?

The people of the Kingdom / Christians.

What do the weeds represent in the Parable of the Weeds?

The sons/people of the evil one.

Who is the enemy in the Parable of the Weeds?

The devil.

What does the harvest represent in the Parable of the Weeds?

The end of time.

Who are the workers/reapers in the Parable of the Weeds?

The angels.

What does the fiery furnace represent in Parable of the Weeds?

Hell.

Why does the master allow the wheat and weeds to grow together in the Parable of the Weeds?

They are left together until the harvest/end of the age, when the righteous and evil will be separated.

What is the key difference between the parables of the Sower and the Weeds?

The Sower focuses on how people respond to God's Word, while the Weeds focuses on the coexistence of good and evil until the end of time.