“Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.” Mark 4:30-34 NLT
Mark tells us Jesus used stories, parables, object lessons and illustrations. And, Mark also tells us why Jesus taught this way – maybe it was the only way we might understand. We think we thrive on facts and stats, but history has proven a great story lasts for centuries! Facts get fuzzy, but stories are deeply woven into our nature, our very psyche. Whether we are training or teaching, a good anecdote drives the sticky point home.
Jesus used over 40 parables, a baker’s dozen of them were about the Kingdom of God. Each story shared another facet of truth about God’s economy.
5 agricultural examples.
4 concerning money.
2 involving feasts.
1 fishing story.
1 even about cooking!
Here in these verses, Jesus talks about a seed. The smallest of seeds. You know God is not intimidated by small! Small seeds, small beginnings, even small people (sorry Zacchaeus). Jesus uses the familiar mustard seed, common to Galilean farmers. The mustard seed may start out small, but when the soil conditions are optimal, it grows into a massive bush as large as a tree. Jesus used the Greek word, “lachanon,” which is a garden plant. We believed Jesus said, “tree,” but none of the translations even used that word.
The simple application, the hidden in plain sight truth –
Don’t dismiss or despise small things that the culture may deem useless or irrelevant.
God’s ways, His Word, may seem small to us, but when planted in good soil will prosper and be sustainable for ourselves and others. If that tiny little seed is not snatched by birds (distractions) or choked by weeds (other desires), or lands in rocks (hardened hearts) it will grow and produce 10,000+ seeds! What God does in our lives, as small as it may seem, will grow if we tend to our faith. What we do for others, small or even hidden, when nurtured and received with love will grow to produce thousands of reciprocal results! It’s a Kingdom principle, it’s how God’s economy works.
Prayer
Dad,
This parable, this smallest to greatest object lesson is absolutely true. However, as a young man, it was difficult. It was hard because I lacked discipline and it took time and patience that was in short supply in my life. As I got older, I was like the kid that dug up the seed to try to find out why it wasn’t growing. Time was different as a teen! I had to learn to trust you and even harder, to obey you. Yes, when I look back I see the miracles of you changing me. But leaning into long periods of time with little seen results was tough. I had to, and still have to, trust and obey! Thank for being a mustard bush builder in lives like my own.