Mark 4:30-32

Passage

Jesus asks the crowd one more time for an example to which He can compare the Kingdom of God.  Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed.  It is the smallest seed when sown.  However, when it grows it is larger than all of the garden plants.  It puts out large branches so that even the birds of the air can nest in its branches.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The mustard seed was proverbially known as the smallest of all seeds in Jesus’ day.  Therefore, Jesus is making a comparison to the Kingdom of God and something that has a small beginning.  The “Kingdom of God” moments in life are those times where God breaks in on our life and reveals Himself or His ways.  These moments always seem so small and innocent.  They often feel subtle as they begin.  God typically speaks to us in the still small voices of one another, a Bible Study, or maybe a faith-based book that we read.  But so often these times of learning seem so small.

Think back onto the times that you’ve grown in faith – how many of them started out as small events?  How many of the profound places of spiritual growth seemed to have very humble beginnings?  What does this parable say about the times when we consider a task something “small” or “unimportant?”

Second Thought:

Just because an event seems so small doesn’t mean that it will not be profound.  Just as the mustard seed comes from this tiny seed and grows into a plant that can be larger than a horse, so can a moment of God breaking into our life make profound changes in whom we are as people.  Think about each of Jesus’ disciples.  Their life with Jesus started with a simple invitation: “Follow me.”  Such a humble beginning led to an incredibly profound life!

What profound ways has God broken in on your life?  How good does God seem to be at teaching us profound lessons when we least expect them?

Third Thought:

The Kingdom of God is something that when it grows large it provides for others.  The little black mustard seeds were a favorite of the birds of the Middle East.  Many commentators have said that it is common to see a mustard tree swarmed with birds.  Thus, one little tiny seed grows into something that can support many different kinds of life.  Spiritually, the same is true with us.  Each of us begins with a simple calling: “Follow me.”  We end, however, with God working through us to support others.

Who in your life is spiritually providing for others – even many others?  What do you know about the beginnings of their spiritual life?  How can this passage help those of us who don’t particularly feel special or important in the Kingdom of God?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 4:33-34