2025.02.16 | A Call to Faith and Hope

Have you ever looked at the world around you and felt overwhelmed? It’s hard to ignore the brokenness: violence, injustice, and suffering seem to be everywhere. But in the midst of all of it, Jesus offers us a bigger perspective, one that reminds us God is still at work, and His Kingdom is unstoppable.

This past Sunday at Hope Community, we explored Matthew 13 and the parable of the wheat and the weeds, a story Jesus told to help us understand the bigger picture of what He’s doing. If you missed it, here are some key takeaways that really stuck with me.

1. God’s Kingdom is Bigger Than We Think

Jesus tells us, "The field is the world" (Matthew 13:38). That hit me in a fresh way this week. Sometimes, we can get so focused on what’s happening in our own little circles: our jobs, our families, our church, that we forget God’s Kingdom is global.

At Hope Community, we’ve been praying for and supporting our global partners, and it’s been incredible to see how God is moving all around the world. But this goes beyond missions... it’s about having God’s heart for all people. Whether it’s a neighbor down the street or someone halfway across the globe, everyone matters to Him.

How can we expand our view of God’s Kingdom? Maybe it’s through prayer, generosity, or simply being open to seeing people the way Jesus does.


2. The World is Messy, But We Don’t Have to Worry

Let’s be real, the world can feel chaotic. It’s hard to turn on the news without feeling discouraged. But Jesus told us this would happen. He said that good and evil will grow side by side until the harvest.

But here’s the key: we don’t have to live in fear.

Jesus has already won the victory.

Our future is secure in Him.

Nothing can snatch us from His hand.

That doesn’t mean we ignore the brokenness. Instead, we bring hope into it. We live as light in the darkness, showing people through our words and actions that Jesus is the answer.

What would it look like for you to live with bold faith instead of fear?


3. Jesus is Coming Back, So Let’s Share Hope

The parable ends with a powerful truth: one day, Jesus will return. The wheat will be gathered into His Kingdom, and the weeds will be separated. That’s heavy, but it’s also full of hope, because it reminds us that God is patient, giving people time to turn to Him.

And that’s where we come in.

Every conversation, every act of kindness, every time we share our faith, it all matters. People are searching for hope. What if God wants to use you to point someone to Him?

Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? How can you be intentional about sharing His love?

Am I Wheat or Weeds?

This parable isn’t just a story. It’s a personal challenge. It made me stop and ask myself:


I don’t want to live passively. I want to be all in for Jesus.


Let’s Live This Out Together

This Matthew series has been shaping us in so many ways. If you haven’t been able to join us, I encourage you to watch this week’s message, it’s one that will challenge and encourage you.

Watch the full sermon here:

And as we go into this week, let’s pray for one another, for our city, and for the world. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! Let’s be faithful to the mission God has given us.

What stood out to you from this parable? Drop a comment below... I’d love to hear how God is speaking to you! Let’s encourage one another as we grow in faith.