MESSAGE: The Two Sons Date: 8/10/2025
SERIES: The Parables of Jesus
COMMUNICATOR: Pastor Kevin Geer
CHECK-IN & SHARE WINS: What was one highlight from your week? Where have you seen Jesus at work—in your life or in the world around you? Sharing wins help move the mission of God forward.
THINK, DISCUSS, LIVE: These questions are great for personal reflection, group discussion, or both. They’re meant to help you grow in your faith, deepen your connection with your Jesus friends, and live it out in the world around you.
- Can you think of a time when you realized you made a really bad decision? What happened, how did it make you feel, and what lesson did it teach you moving forward?
- When you think about the word “obedience,” how would you define it in your own words? Is there someone in your life—besides Jesus—who you think really lives out their faith? What is it about them that makes you say that?
- Read Matthew 21:28–31. When you think about the two sons in Jesus’ story—one who said “no” but ended up obeying, and one who said “yes” but didn’t follow through. Which of the two sons do you see more often in the people you interact with? Which son are you?
- The longer you follow Jesus, the easier it becomes to drift into Pharisee-like thinking—prideful, judgmental, and forgetting you’re still a sinner in need of grace. Search your heart: How do you view those who live differently from you or openly engage in sinful behaviors? People with different political views, sexual identities, or socio-economic backgrounds—do you see them through eyes of compassion or eyes of contempt? Read and pray Psalm 139:23-24
- How can pride, spiritual laziness or a “I’ve got it all figured out” mindset prevent us from experiencing a genuine and thriving relationship with Jesus? What warnings can we take from the lives of the Pharisees? How do we guard against this mindset? Read and pray Ezekiel 18:30-31
- Read and reflect on Matthew 7:21–23. Who is Jesus really speaking to in this passage, and what do you think He’s warning them about? Do you think His words should be taken literally or figuratively, and why? How might His words apply to us?
- Take a moment and imagine standing before Jesus and hearing the words, “I never knew you.” What emotions rise up as you picture that moment—shock, regret, sorrow, fear? What is the Holy Spirit saying to you right now?
- Read Matthew 7:18–20. How does Jesus describe the two types of trees, and what determines which is which? What does this teach us about how our lives reveal the kind of “tree” we are? If others looked at the “fruit” of your life, what kind of tree would they say you are? See Galatians 5:22-23 for examples of good fruit.
- How do you stay “heart aware” and open to what God wants to teach or change in you? What helps you avoid getting spiritually stuck, hardened, or defensive? Who is the Jesus friend who cares enough to call you out when your faith or attitude starts to drift?
TAKING NEW GROUND! This week, take new ground by doing a simple spiritual check-up of your life with Jesus. What standard or guide will you use to measure where you’re at? What areas are going well, and where do you see room to grow? Take one significant step to grow where it’s needed. Consider starting the Bible reading plan or intentionally living out this week’s message. Who can walk with you—supporting and encouraging your spiritual growth along the way?
SOMETHING NEW! WORDS THAT DETONATE: Slow down and sit with the word Faithfulness. The Greek word (Pistis) is more than belief—it’s steady trust, loyal commitment, and daily faith lived out. As a fruit of the Spirit, it shows up through consistency, integrity, and sticking with people and promises, no matter what. This week, where do you need to live out true faithfulness?
STRUGGLING TO READ YOUR BIBLE? We’ve put together a Bible reading plan to help you read through the entire New Testament in one year. Just one chapter a day, five days a week—plus a short bonus passage to reflect on. You can find it on the Canvas Church app—just tap “Bible Reading Plan.” Prefer to listen? That’s an option too! Join us on this life-changing journey with Jesus.
INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PRAYER OPTIONS:
- Time to Pray: What’s one thing to celebrate and thank God for—and one thing to bring to Him in prayer?
- Praise Sentences: Take a moment to thank God in short sentence prayers—for who He is, what He’s done this week, and for people in your group. Let several people pray, even more than once. Then, pray for any needs shared, and close by thanking God for hearing you.
- Prayer Clusters: Meet in groups of two or three (same gender) to share praises and prayer requests. Pray together and for one another during the week. Let those in your group know you prayed—send a quick text of encouragement.
TRY IT… I DARE YOU! In any moment—big or small—pause and ask: “God, what do You want me to know?” Then: “What do You want me to do?” Try it this week and watch how God shows up. Bless someone by sharing what He’s doing in and through you!
