Parables of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43)

Ask each member of the group to complete one of the following statements.

what I like most about gardening is ……
or
what I dislike most about gardening is ……

Read the parable and the explanation that Jesus gives to the disciples together before answering the following questions. Make sure the answers come from the passage but if people give other answers, ask them to say what other passage they are thinking of:

a) Are we too quick to point out what is wrong with other people?
b) Is it wrong for Christians to campaign against things eg abortion/euthanasia/ Sunday trading/war in Iraq?
c) Are we too impatient in our Christian lives? How do we get the right balance between being urgent on one hand and becoming too complacent on the other?
d) Let go and let God. Is this true?
e) Jesus spoke often about judgment; does judgment make sense to you today? Are you offended or worried by it?
f) Do you think judgment or justice is the better word for the same idea?

If God wants spiritual fruits and not religious nuts, what one thing could your group campaign for that is positive and not negative? (Eg encouraging talk!)

(You might start off with a number of ideas but see which one is the best. Spend a few moments on that one and see what steps you could take and then go for it!)