Christmas 2014

Here are some adopt a family pictures.  We had a great time delivering them their presents.  She was so overwhelmed and thankful.  She said she was going to give some of the gifts to another in need.  What a giver.

Mark 4:30-41

Mark 4:30-41Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

³⁰ And He said: “How can we illustrate the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to describe it? ³¹ It’s like a mustard seed that, when sown in the soil, is smaller than all the seeds on the ground. ³² And when sown, it comes up and grows taller than all the vegetables, and produces large branches, so that the birds of the sky can nest in its shade.”

Using Parables

³³ He would speak the word to them with many parables like these, as they were able to understand. ³⁴ And He did not speak to them without a parable. Privately, however, He would explain everything to His own disciples.

Wind and Wave Obey the Master

³⁵ On that day, when evening had come, He told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the sea.” ³⁶ So they left the crowd and took Him along since He was already in the boat. And other boats were with Him. ³⁷ A fierce wind storm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. ³⁸ But He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him up and said to Him, “Teacher! Don’t You care that we’re going to die?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ Then He said to them, “Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ And they were terrified and asked one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Questions:

1.       How big is a mustard seed?

A.     ???? Picture or bring in a seed

2.      The kingdom of Christ is like a mustard seed.  What does that mean?

A.     It starts off small, but can grow to be the largest of tree.  It brings food, shelter, and shade for those who need it.  God gives us, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of our sins.

3.      Why does Jesus not explain to the people, but he does explain to His disciples what each parable means?

A.     He wants the people to search for answers to grow in their faith, but he tells the disciples about the parables because He wants them to clearly know what each parable means, so they can teach when Jesus passes.

4.       What would you do during a massive storm on a boat?  How would you act?

A.?????

5. Do you think they are understand who Jesus is and what authority He has?

A.

6. Why do you think the disciples lose faith?

A. Because they didn’t want to die.