Lesson 2 of 5
Parables of the kingdom
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Study objective: Study short parables that describe the Kingdom of God.
Reading: Mark 4:26–34Matthew 13:44–46
Mark 4:26–34 WEB
26He said, “God’s Kingdom is as if a man should cast seed on the earth, 27and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, though he doesn’t know how. 28For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” 30He said, “How will we liken God’s Kingdom? Or with what parable will we illustrate it? 31It’s like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth, 32yet when it is sown, grows up and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow.” 33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34Without a parable he didn’t speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
Matthew 13:44–46 WEB
44“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Background and context
Several short parables picture the kingdom: a seed that grows while the farmer sleeps, a tiny mustard seed that becomes a large plant, treasure hidden in a field, a merchant’s pearl.
Observe
- The seed grows “he doesn’t know how” (Mark 4:27).
- The mustard seed starts very small (Mark 4:31).
- The finder sells everything “in his joy” (Matthew 13:44).
- The merchant sells all for one pearl (13:46).
Words, people and events to notice
- Kingdom of God
- God’s reign, present in Jesus’ ministry and still to come. Mark 1:15
Understand
- What do the growth parables say about how the kingdom comes?
- What do the treasure and the pearl say about its value?
- Why does the finder act “in his joy”?
Connect
- Luke 13:18–21
The mustard seed and the yeast in Luke.
Reflect
- Where have you seen small beginnings grow?
- What would you give up for the kingdom?
Key takeaways
Editorial summary, not Scripture.
- The kingdom grows quietly from small beginnings.
- It is worth more than everything else.
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