Deuteronomy 33 / Luke 13:1-21 / Psalm 78:65-72 / Proverbs 12:25
Parable of the Mustard Seed (Luke 13:18-19)
Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.”
Parable of the Yeast (Luke 13:20-21)
He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”
I love these two parables that Jesus told. The Kingdom of God, the Messiah coming to earth, was expected to be a grand invasion, freeing the people of the time from Roman rule. Instead, the Messiah was born of a young girl who was not married and who delivered him in a place where animals were kept. Only those who were carefully watching for the signs were aware of His entrance into the earth.
That should be our first clue that the Kingdom of God will come to us in unexpected ways – in quiet, unassuming ways. But just because God’s reign comes this way does not mean it does not come with power. These two parables intimate that God’s Kingdom, once received, will grow, and will bear greater and greater influence over the one who has said, “Yes” to its entrance into her life.
A mustard seed is one of the tiniest seeds, but the mustard tree is large and sturdy, growing to a size of 20 feet both tall and wide. And for any who are bread bakers, you know that a couple tablespoons of yeast can bake enough bread for your family. The things that start small in God’s Kingdom have huge potential. We must not forget that!
I say “potential” because our spiritual growth depends upon our continued “yes” to God. If He asks something of us, do we respond positively? Or do we argue, missing an opportunity to partner with Him, and thereby bringing Heaven to earth?
And that’s our job – I’ve talked about it before – we are “brand ambassadors” for God’s Kingdom. What kind of ambassador are you? Do you “use the products” of the Kingdom so that you have many stories to tell? What might it look like to “use the products” (which I understand is an earthly term)?
I believe when we have faith in God’s Words, and we follow our faith with obedience, we are showing Him to the world. I’ve heard it said that if Christ followers walk around looking like bulldogs baptized in lemon juice, no one would want to imitate our lives! I know that’s a funny picture. I’m also not saying we live lives of ease with no trouble. The Bible tells us we will have trouble, but that we are to be of good cheer because Jesus has overcome the things in the world.
So, let’s not forget that our small faith will have great impact, and also that our small faith, when stretched through our continued obedience, has the opportunity to grow into a great tree or into bread that will feed many. As I love to say – there’s adventure ahead, so grab your backpack and let’s get to trekking!
