Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
April 26, 2026
Matthew: Kingdom Growth
Matthew 13:31-33
Matthew 13:31-33
[31] He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. [32] It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
[33] He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”
The Kingdom of God grows:
1. From small to great
“It is the fact of history that the greatest things must always begin with the smallest beginnings.” - William Barclay
What is Jesus saying about the Kingdom of God by comparing it to a small mustard seed?
Why would it have been difficult for Jesus’ audience to believe he was a king bringing a new kingdom?
In worldly terms, what is insignificant about Jesus’ birth and the beginning of his ministry?
Who is one person you could invite to come to church with you? Or, who is one person who is not a Christian you could pursue a friendship with?
2. Over a long period of time
We live in a fast-paced culture that expects immediate, on-demand service and results. What are some examples of this?
How is this mindset different from a gardener or farmer who plants a seed?
If God is the Gardener, what does this tell us about him?
You may not be able to see a lot of spiritual growth in your life if you only look back to how you were yesterday or last week, but if you look back a year or five years what do you see?
3. From the inside out
Matthew 13:33
[33] He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”
Jesus says the kingdom of God works the same way as the leaven: from the inside out, through inner transformation. How have you seen that to be true in your own life?
What kinds of inner transformation should Christians be experiencing over time?
Bonus question: how does inner transformation happen?
4. With eternity in sight
When we think about the gospel and the kingdom of God that we experience now in this life, we have to remind ourselves where this is all going. So let’s discuss that. Where is this going?
How should this truth be a practical comfort to us?
