Summer Sunday School - June 14

Passages for Sunday June 14^th

Psalm 20:1-5 and Mark 4:26-34

Read Psalm 20

Background       We all want God to bless us. The writer of this psalm was no different. Psalm 20 almost reads like an answer to an urgent set of prayers. It was probably spoken or sung by a priest to someone or some group of worshippers who had spoken aloud or inwardly communicated to God what was most on their minds. Perhaps a sacrifice had also been made, as a ritualistic means of seeking God’s favor.

Questions

a)      When we pray to God, how do we expect Him to answer us? What daily protection do we constantly need from Him?

b)      The psalmist expresses that God’s help comes from the sanctuary itself. How do we use our church sanctuaries as places for seeking and receiving help?

c)       Why does the psalmist mention sacrifices and burnt offerings? What sacrifices or offerings do we make to God today?

d)      What are the desires of your heart? What plans do you want God to make successful? How do we approach Him for these things?

e)      The psalm ends with a note of hopefulness and thanksgiving. When God grants us a positive answer to our prayers, how do we intentionally thank Him?

Read Mark 4:26-34

Background       The Gospels are full of Christ’s enigmatic stories that we call parables. Within each of these stories is a deep lesson which is meant to draw us closer to God. Most of us have a favorite parable which has become meaningful to our lives, showing us that the relevancy of Christ’s teaching is important to every generation.

Questions

a)      Why did Jesus use parables to convey His teaching? How do we use those parables today?

b)      Most of Christ’s parables are about the Kingdom of God. What does God’s Kingdom mean to us today?

c)       Both these parables in the passage are about the Kingdom of God growing. Where do we see God’s Kingdom growing in our church and community? How can we be part of that growth?

d)      What was the point of the mustard seed parable? How can that parable inspire our congregation?

e)      Did Christ speak in parables because the people could not handle the whole truth? Is that also true of us today?

f)       Why did Jesus explain the meaning of the parables to the disciples? How did they use those explanations as part of their own future ministries?