The Mustard Seed

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.  Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”  He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds  of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

Matthew 13:31‭-‬33 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.13.31-33.NIV

The mustard seed demonstrates the dynamic growth of the Church even when the world is against it. 

The parable of the mustard seed show the power of God.   The contrast of the smallest of the Kingdom against the Kingdom of the world.   What could be less significant than a small church or a tent revival.   Or a missionary couple living half a world away amongst natives.  

We expect to find the Kingdom in the mega Churches, but these parables suggest that the real kingdom power amongst the small places. 

Example of Ps Rick Warren and his wife,  Kay going to Africa. 

We never know what God will use with the smallest, or seemingly insignificant things we do.

At the time of Christ,  Rome ruled as the world power.   But today, Jesus still touches the world.   Throughout history, the world has tried to kill the Church,  yet today the Kingdom of God is still working,  even though many of these 'worldly ' powers have come and gone.

The mustard seed is tiny.  But when it is grown,  it is large.  The parable promises great outcomes from small beginnings. 

Most of the Churches work gets done in unfavourable conditions.   

In New Testament times, it did not appear that this small movement would make a change.   

Why would Jesus not compare the Kingdom of heaven to a great tree instead of a scrub.  The Church is far exceeding from its humble beginnings.   It has manifested itself in modest ways, with times of great power. 

Christian's should live unexpectedly as heaven as our destination,  not the grand Church buildings around the world. 

The Lord is more likely to be evidenced as a small still voice  rather than a  king coming on a white horse. 

It's what God does. It is to be growing Churches from small beginnings to disciples that are mature and God-like.

What did Mary Magdalene think?  Stephen who was stoned, helped grow the kingdom,  even though he lost his physical life. 

Are we willing to grow our mustard seed?