What are some teachings of Jesus that have always seemed confusing to you? ... Discuss the parable of the soils and the
JESUS SAID WHAT? Week 1: Ears to Hear DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
RECAP In the first week of this series, we tackled a common but confusing phrase Jesus used, “whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” This phrase is actually a great launching off point to talk about why so many people hear about God but still refuse to believe in Him.
MTVGROUP QUESTIONS 1. What are some teachings of Jesus that have always seemed confusing to you? Or perhaps a teaching of Jesus that you misunderstood for a long time? (If you have any particular teachings you’d like Josh to try and tackle in a future blog post, email him at:
[email protected]) 2. Have you ever had a time in your life where people were trying to speak harsh but necessary truths to you but you refused to listen? Why did you choose not to hear them? What was the result? 3. Read Matthew 13:18-22. Discuss the parable of the soils and the condition of the first three soils. How have you seen them evidenced in your life or in the life of those you’re currently trying to reach? • Hard soil - when someone doesn’t understand what is being taught about Jesus • Rocky soil - when someone has no roots and the trials of life cause them to fall away • Thorny soil - when the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth cause us to stray 4. Josh shared four thoughts of how we should respond when someone doesn’t have ‘ears to hear.’ Which one stands out? Which one of these do you need to work on the most? • 1. Know that you cannot force change on a human heart. • 2. Rest and trust in the One who can change the heart. • 3. Sow seeds and pray like crazy. • 4. Make sure we don’t ruin the soil.
NEXT STEPS Is there someone close to you that you’re trying to reach but currently doesn’t have ‘ears to hear’? Pray for that person as a group and brainstorm ways to plant seeds in their life this week.
