Planted Series 2020

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Planted Series Overview

During this peak time for agricultural growth, our series for July called “Planted” will help us to cultivate the seeds of faith.  For three weeks, we will explore the parables of Jesus in Matthew 13.  Each lesson explores a different facet of our Christian life, including the potential, the challenges, and the rewards.  The sage of Proverbs 20:4 tells us: “The lazy person does not plow in season.  Harvest comes, and there is nothing to be found” (NRSV).  As we grow in faith, God provides a bounty.


July 12

PARABLE OF THE SOWER: People face different circumstances in their lives, which may make them more or less receptive to God’s grace.  In Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Jesus tells a parable about a farmer broadcasting the seeds for his crop. 

 

July 19

PARABLE OF THE WEEDS:  The need for order and unity is strong within us.  When disunity and disorder creep in, we may overreact - lashing out destructively rather than promoting consensus in love.  In Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Jesus tells a parable about a farmer who field suffered from weeds his rival planted.  Instead of quick fixes, Jesus recommends a patient resolve.  Has your sense of the common good been thwarted by an opposing acquaintance?  How have you reacted?

 

July 26

PARABLE OF RESULTS: When something surprises us, it exceeds our expectations.  In Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, Jesus tells a parable about the surprising potential of God’s kingdom.  What was better than you first thought?

 

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