Pentecost Week 7 - Slow But Sure

Christ Church Elders
1 day ago
2 min read

Scripture Reading

*Explain the context: “In this story, Jesus is teaching his disciples about God’s Kingdom.”

Matthew 13:31-33

Big Idea (For Parents)

Pentecost season, and Jesus’ teaching here, focuses on the slow but sure growth of the Kingdom of God. Christians have rightly recognized that the center of the Kingdom on earth is the Church (see Matthew 16:18-19).

Family Reflection

(Read aloud or summarize)

Here, Jesus is teaching about the Kingdom of God. It is called the “Kingdom of Heaven” in Matthew because it is where heaven’s rule is clearly seen on earth (see Matthew 6:10). The center of the God’s Kingdom on earth is the Church.

Jesus explains that the Kingdom’s growth will be very slow (by our measurements), like that of a large tree. It’s growth will often be hidden from our sight, like that of leaven. But God’s promised growth is certain. This is what the kingdom is like. This means we must be very patient and continue to trust and obey God even when we don’t (yet) see God’s promises fulfilled.

Pentecost season is a long season—it goes on for half a year! The very length of the season helps reinforce for us what Jesus teaches in these parables. We must learn patience with the Spirit’s work over long periods of time.

Discussion Questions

(Choose 1-2. Adjust for age.)

1- Patiently waiting is hard. But, when we wait, we often enjoy something better than what we’d have if we hadn’t waited. What is an example of something that is better after patiently waiting for it? (think: examples from gardening, food preparation, education/training, career/vocation).

2- Why do you think God often works in very slow, hidden ways?

3- What is one area where you should pray for and commit yourself to greater patience?

Practice—Saying Grace

Prayers before meals are good not only because they follow Christ’s example (e.g., Matthew 14:19), but because they are also little “patience exercises” built into our daily routines. Our waiting for a moment to eat can help remind us that God’s blessings routinely come after waiting. When praying before meals this week, don’t rush through it but rather take a breath and really focus your mind on what you are saying, strengthening your patience as you do.

To close the family worship time, pray as a family:

“Lord, we believe your Kingdom is growing even when we don’t clearly see it. Please help us to patiently trust and obey while we wait.”