40: Changing the World the Jesus Way

Message Listening Guide

Guiding Question: How do we make sure we make a difference for good in the world?

The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31–32)
Jesus said the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed—tiny at the start, but it grows into something that blesses others. 
God’s kingdom doesn’t advance through flashy, instant success, but through small, ordinary acts of faithfulness that He multiplies.

The Point: Extraordinary impact comes from everyday faithfulness.

Examples of Mustard Seed Faithfulness
A simple word of encouragement to a neighbor or coworker.
Quiet service in your family or community.
Acts of generosity and consistent giving.
Sharing the hope of Jesus in word and deed.

Application:
Where is God calling you to plant seeds today? Will you trust Him to bring growth through your ordinary faithfulness?

Closing Reminder:
God works in centuries, we crave instant change. Trust His timing. Trust His plan.

Connection Group Conversation Guide

Prayer: Begin by sharing and updating prayer requests. Pray together, asking God to open hearts to His kingdom vision and to encourage one another toward faithfulness.

Get-to-Know-You Question: Share your name with the group and the answer to the question: Do you have a green thumb or a black thumb? Why do you say that?

Opening Question: Do you have a favorite parable of Jesus? What is it and why is it your favorite?

Review: Sunday’s message explored Jesus’s short but powerful parable in Matthew 13:31–32. The message reminded us that while we often long for big moments and visible success, the way of Jesus is usually small, faithful, and patient. We were invited to rethink what it means to live a meaningful life—not by worldly standards, but by kingdom values. Huge change, Jesus teaches us, often begins with tiny, everyday investments that God grows over time.

Discuss: When you think about leaving a legacy or making an impact, what comes to mind? What kind of "difference" do you hope your life will make?

Read: Have someone read Matthew 13:31–32 aloud.

Discuss: Imagine hearing this parable for the first time, in a world where kingdoms were built by empires and armies, what would have stood out to you about Jesus’s words?

Discuss: Luke shared about being willing to do "super radical things" for God but struggling to embrace the small and ordinary. In what ways have you experienced that tension in your own life?

Discuss: Luke mentioned that God works at the speed of centuries, while we often crave instant results. Where in your life do you need to trust God's long timeline?

Discuss: Sometimes we overlook the "boring" or "normal" parts of life as spiritually insignificant. Is there an area of your life where God might be asking you to faithfully plant mustard seeds—even if it doesn’t feel big or exciting?

Pray: Close in prayer—asking God to help us to see the importance of the little things.