To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Download the “Tale of Two Kingdoms” worksheet here. Make a copy for each class member. Allow class members to work individually, in groups, or as a whole class to complete this exercise. You are looking for answers such as these.
Dealing with traitors in the kingdom—In human empires like Rome, when traitors are discovered, they are rooted out and immediately punished. Doing so keeps the power of the nation from being undermined and destroyed from within. Jesus teaches that since the power of God rules his kingdom, that power is not threatened by traitors. Therefore, there is no need for spies or secret police to discover and punish traitors. The traitors would receive punishment by God in his time.
Physical expansion of the kingdom—Rome and other empires expand by conquest. They fight battles and then annex the land they conquer into the empire. The people of Israel knew that all too well. Their nation had been conquered and was being occupied by Roman soldiers. Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God expands organically, like a living organism grows from the smallest beginning to slowly mature to its full size.
Wielding influence in the kingdom—Human empires, like Rome, wield top-down authority. The emperor uses underlings in certain locations to enforce the laws and dictates that come from the throne. Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God grows from the bottom up. Just as a baker mixes in yeast throughout the dough, God will take citizens of the kingdom and scatter them all over the world, allowing them to spread the influence of the kingdom.
To encourage personal application:
After the Bible lesson, hand a small stone to each class member. Say, “Jesus’ parables we have studied today used the images of good grain, weeds, a mustard seed, and granules of yeast to describe God’s kingdom. Can you think of a time when Jesus used the image of a rock to describe the kingdom of God?”
Depending on your class, members may or may not bring up Matthew 16:18. Have a volunteer turn to that verse and read it aloud. Note the promise that from a small start (the fact that only Peter at this point testified to who Jesus is) the church, God’s unshakable kingdom would be founded. Ask class members to think of empires of the past that sought to dominate by conquest. (ex: The Ottoman Empire, the Nazis, the Soviets, etc.). These seemed successful for a time, but all fell. Note that although nations have sought to destroy God’s kingdom, the church has continued to stand!
Encourage class members to keep their small rock with them in the week to come. Let it serve as a reminder that they are a part of God’s just kingdom that trusts God to judge evil, that grows from the smallest beginnings, and that seeks to work its influence into all the world.
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