Matthew 13 - 7.13.26

Scripture

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Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“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.””

Observation

This parable about the mustard seed was used to describe what the Kingdom of Heaven was like.

“The scope of the parable of the seed sown, is to show that the beginnings of the gospel would be small, but its latter end would greatly increase;…..From these parables we are taught to expect a gradual progress.”(Matthew Henry on Christianity.com)

Basically, the spread of the Gospel and the Church starts small, like a mustard seed; but the Kingdom of God would gradually grow just like a very large tree-larger than any other garden plant around it.

Application

It doesn’t take much for the Kingdom of God to grow, but we need to do our part. We need to have faith.

Where else is a mustard seed mentioned in the Bible? If you said with faith, you are correct!

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” -Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭‬20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” -Luke‬ ‭17‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If we start with faith as small as a mustard seed, that faith has the ability to grow even greater! God can do impossible things with a little. God sees the potential growth! He just needs a little faith.

The growth of the church is the same as the growth of faith in individuals. It starts off as something as small as a mustard seed, but can gradually grow into a large tree that gives shade (a.k.a. comfort, nourishment and a home) to others around it.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank You for revealing to me the parallel between faith and the Kingdom of God. Thank You that You don’t require much faith from me to further Your Kingdom since You are the One Who makes all things grow. Please forgive me for my lack of faith and when I get discouraged when my faith is not big enough. Please help me remember that every small seed of faith eventually grows into something great! I pray that my small faith continues to grow greater in order to further Your Kingdom. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi