thoughts from G&Ms during the summer of 2008

During the summer quarter, we'll take a look at some of the parables of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel according to Matthew

What's in a parable?
What makes a parable a parable?
Which is your favourite?
Which do you find the most confusing?

13. Sunday 28th September
"needing a neighbour?"
Matthew 25 : 31-46
The parable of the sheep and the goats
A reminder in this parable of how easy it is to serve Jesus - he is everywhere around us!

12. Sunday 21st September
"use it or . . . ?"
Matthew 25 : 14-30
The parable of the talents
Why do we sometimes "bury" our talents rather than risk putting them to use?

 11. Sunday 14th September
"ever ready?"
Matthew 25 : 1-13
The parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids
What can we do to keep the light of our faith burning brightly?
What does it mean for us to "always be ready"?

 10. Sunday 7th September
"It's for you!"
Matthew 22 : 1-14
The parable of the wedding feast
This, again, is an uncomfortable parable - perhaps it isn't as inclusive as we might like it to be?!

9. Sunday 31st August
"Take care"?
Matthew 21 : 33-46
The parable of the tenants
Another parable told in response to the grumblings of the religious leaders - what do we grumble about? is our grumbling justified?
How do we cope at those times when it seems or feels as though God is absent?
Why is it that those who speak for God are not always accepted or listened to?

8. Sunday 24th August
"The proof of the pudding . . .?"
Matthew 21 : 28-32
The parable of the two sons
Do actions always speak louder than words?
I wonder what this parable is really about?

7. Sunday 17th August
"Far beyond fair!"
Matthew 20 : 1-15
The parable of the generous employer
How does it feel to know that God's generosity extends to those who aren't the world's first-choice?
Have another look at Jonah.
Jonah was very happy to sing about God's mercy and forgiveness but not so happy when he realised that this love included even those he would choose to exclude.
Where are we in this parable?!


6. Sunday 10th August
"Making up" - Matthew 18 : 21-35
The parable of the forgiving master
"Forgive and Forget" - what do you think?
Do we sometimes need to forgive and remember?
Another seemingly straightforward story - but how easy is it to put into practice?!

5. Sunday 3rd August
"Feeling lost?"
Matthew 18
The parable of the lost sheep
I wonder where you are in this parable?
I wonder how the big group of "wellbehaved sheep" feel when the shepherd leaves them to go looking for the lost 1?!

4. Sunday 27th July
"Breadmaking for beginners"
Matthew 13 : 33
The parable of the leaven
I wonder what the leaven might really be?
What real life stories might we put alongside this parable?

3. Sunday 20th July
"What about the weeds?"
Matthew 13 : 24-30
The parable of the weeds
What do you make of this parable?

2. Sunday 13th July 
"Green fingers?"
Matthew 13 : 1-9
The parable of the sower
I wonder whether this parable is good news or bad news?
Are we the seed, the soil, the sower or all three?

1. Sunday 6th July
"A real gem"
Matthew 13 : 45-46
The parable of the great pearl
I wonder if anything is so precious to you that you would give up everything for it?
What does this parable say about what the Kingdom of heaven is like?