Lesson 2 (Jan 4-10), Discipling Through Metaphor

How much risk is there of being misunderstood when one speaks in parables? 

1. Why did Jesus speak so much in parables? 
2. What are characteristics of a good parable?

Old Testament Examples

1. Was David partial?
2. How do we know that David's repentance was genuine and not because he got caught? Why is it not too late to repent even after the sin is exposed? 
3. Why did David fail to detect the objective Nathan's parable?

Architectural Wisdom

1. When as kids we sang "the wise man built his house upon the rock," what lesson were we learning?
2. Despite warnings of Jesus, why do most people end up short of money when they build a home?

Agricultural Analogies

1. Since most people today have no experience with sowing seed, what parable do you think could be used today to teach how people respond in different ways to the gospel?
2. How could one teach the lessons of the parables of weeds and tares, and the parable of the pearl of great price, to city dwellers?

The Revolutionary's War

1. When Jesus said that prostitutes and tax collectors would get in to heaven before the pharisees, what could that mean for us today? Will any pharisee be in heaven?
2. Who today are the lame and the blind who will be invited into the kingdom for the feast?
3. What should church leaders do to ensure they do not become like pharisees?

Christ's Creative Legacy

1. Why did the disciples not teach in parables?
2. Should pastors today preach more in parables?