Like a Mustard Seed
June 6, 2018·Julian Webb
I’ve always been encouraged by Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:5-6, where Jesus challenges His disciples to have faith like a mustard seed. In those scriptures, the picture of a mustard seed makes significant faith tangible and teaches us how powerful our faith is. It’s amazing how our infinite God can use simple examples to teach supernatural concepts.
In this week’s Pause Bible Reading Plan, Jesus shares a parable where He uses the illustration of a mustard seed. But this time, it’s to describe something entirely different. The Kingdom of God.
“…What shall we say the Kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.” (Mark 4:30-31)
At first, I found it a bit strange that Jesus would liken the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. How can something so powerful and mighty, be compared to a minuscule seed that we can hardly see? But, as Jesus continued speaking to the disciples, His point becomes clearer…
“Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” (Mark 4:32)
Clearly, Jesus is not making a point to say that the Kingdom of God is small. He is actually saying the opposite! In this illustration, our focus turns from the seed to the tree it grows to be. Jesus uses this mustard seed to convey the potential we have when we allow the Kingdom of God to be planted and fully expressed in and through our lives.
I’m reminded of our recent series, “Kingdom of God,” where Pastor Tim taught us that God’s Kingdom is the redemptive realm of God’s rule and reign. We may not be able to touch or see the Kingdom of God physically…the small seed. However, we can clearly see the manifestation of His Kingdom in our lives and in the lives of others…the large tree!
Every day, we witness God’s miraculous work; He allows tiny seeds to turn into beautiful trees, bearing fruit and providing shelter. If God does that with something so small, imagine what He wants to do with our lives!
Let’s pray and ask God to grow us in an amazing way – like a mustard seed!
Julian Webb
