1. What Jesus Taught Chapter 20

2. What makes a good teacher? With the person next to you, compile a list of at least 5 qualities of a good teacher. You have 2 minutes– GO!

3. Jesus the Master Teacher Jesus had several exceptional qualities He was authentic and genuine He pursued people He loved life and related to people on their level He used colorful, down-to-earth language; he was understandable He spoke with authority (quoted no one—prophets, famous teachers of the day, another rabbi) He was a brilliant debater

4. Jesus Taught With authority In parables About the coming of God’s kingdom That God is a loving father (Abba)

5. Jesus, Master Teacher Available; went to the people Understandable; related to people’s life experiences; parables Spoke the language—Aramaic Taught with authority Very good debater Genuine—the real deal; lived what he taught

6. Parables of Jesus Parable: Compares something very familiar to an unfamiliar idea about God’s kingdom A metaphor, modern day fairy tale, fable— narrative—not to be taken literally. Easier to understand a complex concept. Listen to a parable: you become one of the characters! Which one am I? Which of these choices must I make to be right?

7. Parable Parabole (Greek) “placing two things side by side in order to compare them. What are some of the familiar things compared? Seeds, wheat, yeast, sheep, farmers, fishing nets

8. From Scripture… Open your bibles to Mark, Chapter 4 – Parable of the Sower – Parable of the Lamp – Seed Grows of Itself – The Mustard Seed Open your bibles to Luke, Chapter 13 – The Mustard Seed – The Yeast

9. Jesus’ Parables Tell us about the Kingdom of Heaven/the reign of God And what we need to do to enter it

10. Parables of Jesus Kingdom (reign) of God Refers to God’s active participation in life both in heaven and on earth Jesus is the main principal agent of this kingdom Central theme of Jesus’ preaching

11. Special Features of Kingdom of God Parables of Jesus It is for everyone It involves a life of service It is of a loving, God the Father It is united by the Holy Spirit It is a free gift from a merciful God

12. Kingdom Themes The Kingdom of God is for all ; the poor & lowly; even sinners are welcome The Kingdom/Salvation is taking place right now! Be ready! The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of Love, Mercy, Peace, Justice, and Forgiveness –Repent (literally, “change one’s mind”) Kingdom of God will triumph despite all opposition The Kingdom of God should be rejoiced over!