God’s Kingdom goes beyond our expectations. God can bring about growth inside us that can cause big changes in our world. We can all participate in God’s expanding Kingdom by recognizing where God is at work in us, responding faithfully, and representing Jesus.
Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. 30 Then Jesus said, “How can I show you what the kingdom of God is like? What story can I use to explain it? 31 The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 But when planted, this seed grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants. It produces large branches, and the wild birds can make nests in its shade.” – Mark 4:30–34 NCV Matthew 13:31–32 Luke 13:18-19
The mustard seed would have been a common enough plant in that culture; they would be able to picture it without reference. Classified as an evergreen, the Salvadora perisica can grow to twenty feet wide and tall. They can thrive in environments typically hostile to plants. Their seeds are very small, but they grow large. The mustard seed is not actually the smallest of seeds that produces the biggest of plants. Jesus was using exaggeration to make a point. That aspect of this would have made it more memorable in the minds of the initial audience. “Remember when Jesus said…” Jesus emphasizes the change of size, from small to large, and the surprising nature of the growth.
It’s possible that when the followers of Jesus heard this analogy they would have recalled a prophecy about the coming Messiah in Ezekiel 17:22-23. “small twig from a young branch,” image of humble birth from a small place/nation to become a great tee that supports life…so that many would know that “I am the Lord”. God’s prediction of Messiah’s purpose.
What do we learn?
1. The Kingdom of God will outgrow our expectations
Kingdom of God, Jesus Movement starts small and grows into something that is life-giving, life-changing, irresistible, and victorious. From a small group of followers, it grows into something that changes the world. God’s Kingdom is life-giving and life-supporting..
2. We should respond to God’s invitation to participation.
Mark 4:1-34 Parable of the farmer scattering seed, the lamp, the growing seed, the mustard seed,
“and then he said,” repeated through Mark 4, so this may have been a teaching in one sitting. Reasonable for us to deduce that Jesus is teaching: Listen to what God says. Respond with faithful obedience. Share it with others. Sower Parable: Resist the temptation to quit the faith. Resist the enemy’s attack on the word. Don’t let the desires for other things distract you from God’s Word. Be diligent to guard, care for, the Word as God brings it to fullness within you. Jesus explained each of the parables to his disciples privately. What they taught and did as a result helps us understand. Mark 4:33-34
Scriptures encouraging spiritual growth with God’s guidance and help:
Romans 14:17
Ephesians 4:23
Philippians 1:6
Ephesians 3:19–21
What God produces inside you, “a life of goodness (righteousness), peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,” can see amazing effects in your life and the lives of others. We should recognize God’s guidance and work within us in small moments throughout the day. We should all respond to God’s invitation to participation in the Kingdom, the here and now JESUS MOVEMENT.
What should we do?
1. Recognize where God is at work within you.
2. Respond faithfully.
3. Represent Jesus to people around you.