Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds | Ben Griffin | October 23, 2022 Two Great Questions to ask when reading the Bible 1. What does this say about God? 2. What does this mean for us? What does Matthew 13:24-30 say about who God is? - Jesus is THE King - God is THE Judge - God is Gracious What does Matthew 13:24-30 mean for us? - Worship more, worry less - Don’t give up on the weeds - Examine our hearts We should read the Bible through the lens of reconciliation and relationship instead of rules and regulations. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NIV Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds | Ben Griffin | October 23, 2022 BIBLE READING PLAN Reading the Bible every day is a great way to grow in your faith. After you read, take time to journal or reflect on these questions: What does it say? What does it mean? How can I live this out today? On our website, under Publications, you can find online resources for reading through the Bible in one year: westwoodcc.org/publications As you think about your life in the categories of relational, spiritual, physical, emotional, and vocational health – in which areas are you experiencing contentment? In which areas are you experiencing discontentment? Explain. What stood out to you from Pastor Ben’s sermon this week? What was surprising to you? Is there anything you still have questions about? Read Matthew 13:24-30 What do you notice about this parable? Does any portion (or word) stand out as important to you? What is there to be learned about God’s character (who God is) from this parable? After reading this parable, are you more inclined to wonder who around you are wheat or weeds, or if you yourself is wheat or a weed? Why? Do you think Jesus’ intent in teaching this parable was to have his audience examine others, examine themselves, or something else entirely? Explain. Is it possible for those who are weeds in this parable to become wheat? How? If your answer is no, why not? If yes, what does that mean for us as we are interacting with those in our lives? Given what Jesus is teaching in this parable, what do you think you are called to do (or change) in your life to better align with Christ?Next >