Introduction: The latest thing is not always really new.


Main Idea: The eternal value of our life will be measured in the spiritual fruit we produce. The spiritual fruit we produce is a combination of God's power and our perseverance.

1. Jesus - The Master Teacher (1-9)

Introduction: The latest thing is not always really new.

Main Idea: The eternal value of our life will be measured in the spiritual fruit we produce. The spiritual fruit we produce is a combination of God's power and our perseverance.

1. Jesus - The Master Teacher (1-9)

A. Discipleship discourse #3 -- undercover agents!

B. The context and setting (1-3a)

C. The brilliant storyteller (3b-9)


2. The genius of Jesus' parables is that they demand a response (10-17)

A. Why secrets? (10-11)


B. Sovereignty and responsibility (12-13)


C. Hard-hearted crowds and blessed disciples (14-17)


3. The interpretation is given (18-23) - where are you in the story?

A. The seed and the hard heart (18-19)

B. The shallow hearts (20-21)

C. Thorny hearts (22)

D. Receptive hearts (23)


Next Steps Today

Study questions for next week - read chapters 18-20 and 22
1. How do you feel about family friends and neighbors who are not following Jesus? 18:10-14
2. How do you handle confession and forgiveness personally, and with others? 18:15-35
3. How has divorce impacted you and your family, and the church? 19:1-9
4. How do feel about the workers who come late and get paid the same? Do you believe God is "fair"? If not, is it OK with you for Him to be "unfair"? 20:1-16
5. How do you feel about Jesus' quickness in 22:15-22? If you are married, how do you feel about 22:23-33?

Resources for Further Study
1. The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown
2. Breaking the Da Vinci Code, Darrell Bock