"Scandal of Grace" at Harderwyk - Luke 13:18-21 - January 16, 2022

Resources For the "Scandal of Grace" Series From Each Harderwyk Preacher

I. New For This Week

From Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus (2nd edition) by Klyne Snodgrass

On the Mustard Seed - "This parable is less direct in its application than some because it is so focused on addressing the doubts of Jesus’ contemporaries about the nature of his ministry. Its most important point is that the kingdom is indeed present in his ministry, and, if that is so, the obvious import and next question are about one’s stance toward the kingdom. If the Mustard Seed similitude is an apologetic that the kingdom has come, it is also comfort and exhortation with regard to one’s identity. It is wrong to think this parable is about the spiritual growth of the individual; it is not wrong to understand the dynamic of God’s working and apply it to the individual or to other circumstances. It is not only with Jesus’ ministry that things may look small and insignificant and yet yield huge results. We see it later with the crucifixion, and this dynamic seems to be a regular practice of God (cf. 1 Cor 1:26–31). Like the cross, the Mustard Seed parable is a challenge to human perception and judgment about smallness and significance. We see through a glass darkly and too often fail to recognize a seed planted by God. We should expect and implement “mustard seed” thinking, neither disparaging insignificance nor doubting what God can do and does do with small beginnings. The Christological implications of the parable should not be ignored. It is in Jesus’ word and work that the kingdom has made its entrance."

On the Leaven - "The presence of the kingdom is possibly the most important aspect of Jesus’ message. History is changed by his word and work. That claim must be treated more broadly at the end of this chapter, but clearly the whole point of this parable is that the kingdom is already underway and will not be stopped. The Christological assumptions are obvious. The challenge to human perception and judgment about smallness and significance is present here too. Many people know insignificant beginnings in their lives that God has brought to completion. That dynamic is part of life and should be savored and protected both for ourselves and others. Confidence and hope are the result of the parable. If people are given over to God’s purposes, small beginnings still come to fruition. God seems to be about the business of leavening—magnifying—what seems insignificant."

Celebration Sermon Outline - CLICK HERE for this Sunday's Sermon Outline.

II. Ongoing Resources

1) Spiritual Formation Resources Page - CLICK HERE - This is still a work in progress, but be a part as we look to build

2) Scotty Smith’s Heavenward Daily Prayers - CLICK HERE - to see the daily prayer blog of Scotty Smith.  You will see an option to have them delivered to your email inbox each day as well.  

3) Simple Lectio Divina Overview - CLICK HERE - for a simple introduction of the spiritual practice of a more personal way of experience the Word through contemplation and reflection.