Series: Grow Strong
Sermon: Growing Whom?
Speaker and Writer: Jessyka Albert
Refresh: Start with a prayer. Ask for the Holy Spirit to open your heart to new understanding and for God’s character to be revealed.
Read: Matthew 13:1-43 (NIV). Note 1–3 insights or questions.
Reflect: In this passage, the disciples are rather confused by Jesus’ method of teaching through parables. They just want to know the answers, cut and dried. I’m sure we can all relate to that feeling. Even the most theologically educated person must still ponder over and question the teachings of Jesus. Often we sit through church services or Bible study and just nod our heads in agreement. When was the last time you asked “Why?”
At the One project in Atlanta this year, I spent my days working on the kids program, which means I heard the word “why” too many times to count. When a kid asks "why" he or she is rarely satisfied with a single answer. That "why" is usually followed by several more “whys.”
The disciples came with a lot of "why" questions. Jesus patiently pointed them back to Isaiah. Their lack of understanding came from closed eyes and dull hearts. He pointed out that many prophets and righteous people had longed to see what they were able to see through their questions and earnest searching for answers. Only vibrant, adventurous hearts are able to ask “why?” with the intention of continuing the adventure. The disciples were the ones to come to Jesus and ask “why.” Everyone else left either pretending like they understood or scratching their heads in silent confusion. Jesus’ most faithful followers cared enough to ask questions, to aim for understanding.
Do we honestly look and listen for Jesus in our everyday lives? Following Jesus doesn’t mean life becomes crystal clear, but rather that we enjoy the adventure of learning and growing. Jesus was willing to answer the “why” questions. He didn’t stifle curiosity.
The prophets and righteous people couldn’t understand what the disciples understood. It is not about status or education; it’s about being connected to Jesus and growing in a relationship with Him.
It can be frustrating to be asked “why?” sometimes, but remember that these questions are a sign of growth. Next time three-year-old in the Live Wonder stage of life asks “why?”—or you have a “why?” of your own that you’re too scared to ask—remember that trusting someone enough to ask the question signifies relationship and growth.
Complacency is stunting. Those who ask are those who grow.
Recalibrate: When was the last time you asked a “why” question without already having an answer in the back of your mind?
Respond: Pray to have a vibrant heart throughout your adventures with Jesus.
Research: Read Paul Sloane’s article “Ask Questions: The Single Most Important Habit for Innovative Thinkers” from Innovation Management.
Wonder: Take time today to ask your child “why” questions and encourage them to ask you “why.” Sometimes we get fed up with questions with think are obvious or silly, but ask Jesus for the same patience He has with us adults. Talk to your child about how important it is to ask questions and that we can always come to Jesus when we need to ask “why?”
Adventure: Create a journal of “why?” questions with your child. Leave room for many answers. Make sure to put dates by these so you can look back on them in years to come. Ask “Do you think any question is too difficult for Jesus to answer? Why or why not?” Talk about what patience means and point out that sometime we need to wait for certain answers.
Purpose: If you could ask God one “why?” question what would it be? Naturally, we feel like answers are the key to everything. Think back to the last test you took. Maybe you made a study guide or read over all the material. You had all the answers, right? Was it the information that helped you on the test, or your understanding of the information?