Home Group study questions: The Parable of the Mustard Seed and Leaven
Matthew 13:31-33; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-21
 
Matthew 13:35 — “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”
 
Read Luke 13:18-21; Matthew 13:31-33; Mark 4:30-32, then discuss the questions provided for you below.
1. The gospel of Matthew gives us some context for these short parables. What teaching comes before this parable? What teaching follows these parables?
2. Notice the parable of the Mustard Seed is about the mustard tree/bush. Why is this important? What do you know about the mustard seed and the plant? (Google ‘mustard tree, Israel’ if you want.)
3. This parable is taught in rhetorical hyperbole meaning “to use exaggerated language to emphasize a point” and gives freedom in its application within a particular context. Why is this important to consider? Hint: Does it help us understand how the teaching can speak into our context?
4. Jesus is teaching on the subject of the Kingdom of God. What does this parable say about the ‘growth’ of the kingdom?
5. Following Jesus’ ascension to heaven, the Kingdom [The Church] grew from a small group of Jesus followers to a world religion and cultural influence. Just as the Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven tells us, there is both good and bad with growth. How do these parables inform our observations of church history? What does this say about Christianity today?
6. What does this tell us about the church and our faith in Jesus Christ? If the religion is diluted what are the consequences?
7. What is both the prophecy and the warning in these parables?
8. Read Matthew 16:6; Philippians 3:2, 18; Romans 16:17. What do each of these passages say about false doctrine and teaching? How are we to handle false teaching and doctrine within the church?
 
Recommended Resource: Church History In Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley