Quick Backdrop
Jesus had a lot to accomplish in the few years He was here on earth. Perhaps one of His biggest challenges, ranking right up there with conquering death and sin, was teaching His followers the nature of His kingdom. Maybe that’s why the expression “the kingdom of heaven is like…” was one of Jesus’ favorites. (He said it 10 times in Matthew alone!) To make the challenge more difficult, many of Jesus’ followers had expectations of His kingdom, expectations that were contrary to Jesus’ plans.

The What
The passages below provide a couple snapshots into Jesus’ teaching about His kingdom. To notice the detail, you may want to print the passages or paste them into an edoc. Then do this:
1. Circle (or highlight if using an edoc) every mention of the kingdom.
2. Underline (or highlight) anything describing the kingdom.

Now that you’ve read and noticed some detail, you probably picked up on how Jesus used practical, everyday things to illustrate how His kingdom works. Write each item down on a separate sheet of paper or in a document and then make a note or two about what Jesus said each would do.

The So What
What common features do you see in each item?
What common things happen to these items? In other words, what do they do?

You probably noticed that in each case, the item Jesus mentioned was very small but eventually grew to be something big. This is the nature of Jesus’ kingdom. When you picture a kingdom, most people picture great power and influence. That’s what Jesus’ followers were expecting. Then, out of nowhere, Jesus was saying that to experience His kingdom fully, you have to start small and allow it to grow in His timing.

Seal the Deal
Often we believers set out with some giant plan for how we’re going to help God. That’s OK, but these parables show that Jesus wants there to be less of us and more of Him in the plan.

Think about how you can be a seed or a pinch of yeast that Jesus can grow into something big for His kingdom. Below, you’ll see areas of life in which you can represent Jesus’ kingdom. Reread the verses above in light of each area of life. Think about how you can be a small item that Jesus can use in a big way. Write down any ideas that come to mind. Then, act on your ideas. Better yet, let Jesus act on your ideas. That’s how they grow!

Relationships (family, friends, classmates)
Job
Your community/neighborhood
Your youth group/church
Your extra-curricular groups (sports, music, drama, etc.)

Barry Shafer has been in youth ministry for more than 25 years. As director of InWord Resources, Barry has written numerous small-group Bible studies and teen devos, and is author of Unleashing God’s Word in Youth Ministry (Youth Specialties/Zondervan). He is a regular contributor to YouthWorker Journal, writing the column “10 Minutes in God’s Word.” Barry lives in Middletown, Ohio, with his wife, Jessica, and newborn son, Reade. He blogs at InWord.org.