Mark 4: 30-31, Luke 13: 18-19, Matthew 13: 31-32
Jesus gave an illustration about the kingdom of God in Mark 4: 30-21. He wanted to describe the kingdom of God, he wondered what story he wanted to use to illustrate God’s kingdom, and so he likened it to a mustard seed. He said the kingdom of heaven is like a tiny mustard seed, though the smallest of seeds, it grows to become one of the largest of plants, with long branches where birds can come and find shelter.
"It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it" Mark 4: 31-32
But when it is sown, it grows to become one of the largest of plants...Mark 4:32
Jesus used many stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they were able to understand. In this parable, Jesus explained the growth and expansion of the church which is the kingdom of God on earth. Jesus started the church with twelve disciples in a small province of the Roman empire. Many powerful men attempted to stop Jesus from fulfilling his mission on earth, The Jewish leaders tried to stop it when they arrested Jesus and handed him over to Pilate to be crucified. When Jesus rose from the dead, the Church grew even bigger and despite many deterrents, the Christian church grew larger than the mightiest empire on earth.
Just as the mustard becomes a large plant with long branches where birds find shelter, so does the kingdom of God offer shelter to everyone who comes to God. Like the mustard plant that offers herbs, shade and a place of rest to weary birds, God offers his unfailing love to all who come to him weary from life’s burdens. God’s word offers us rest, healing, peace, love, and joy from the struggles and pains of the world. By opening our hearts and accepting Jesus into our lives, we become partakers and heirs of God’s kingdom.
We must continue to expand God’s kingdom on earth and pray that individuals in all nations experience the revival and come to God to rest in his everlasting and encompassing love.
Prayer: Heavenly father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to die that we might have salvation. Please give us the grace to always abide in your loving presence, grace to always come to you with my worries and burdens, knowing that we can cast all our cares on you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Reference
The Holy Bible, King James Version Mark 4: 30-31, Luke 13: 18-19, Matthew 13: 31-32
The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Mark 4: 30-31, Luke 13: 18-19, Matthew 13: 31-32
God as a Gardener; Mustard Seeds and Trees
Jesus Film Project; How Is The Kingdom of God Like A Mustard Seed?
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