Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim Chang
Sermon Series: Parables of the Kingdom in the Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 13:31-33 (ESV)31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Sermon Outline

1. The kingdom of heaven is small (v. 31-32a)
2. The kingdom of heaven is hidden (v. 33a)
3. The kingdom of heaven is more than it seems (v. 32b, 33b)

Prayer of ConfessionHeavenly Father, your kingdom is great, but it does not meet our expectations of what a kingdom should be. We confess that we tie significance to what is impressive. When you are not clearly visible, we wrongly assume that you are absent, and we might believe that you do not care. Remind us that though we are specks in this universe, you sent your son, Jesus, to rescue us and invite us into your grand kingdom because we are of infinite worth to you. May your Spirit send us out and be with us as we share your good news to our neighbors. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What connected with you from the sermon or the passage?
2. Why did Jesus choose a mustard seed and leaven to describe the kingdom of heaven? What do each of these images convey?
3. How do we tend to measure someone’s worth or significance? How does this shape the way we look at people?
4. Describe an example of how God’s work was hidden and not obvious, but then in hindsight it was as clear as day.
5. Why is it difficult to trust God when he is not clearly visible?
6. How can we live out the generous hospitality of the kingdom of heaven and make room for others?
7. Though each of us are small, compared to the entire universe, we are deeply loved by Jesus. How might this encourage your heart? How might you encourage someone else with this truth?
8. What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?