Matthew 13:31-32 states, “He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
This parable is one of my favorite teachings of Jesus when it comes to the unstoppable force that is the Church. To any first-century Jewish farmer, they realize the picture Jesus is painting when talking about the mustard seed. Indeed, it is one of the smaller seeds to be planted, but the fruit it yields is powerful.
As Jesus discusses the seed growing into a great tree, or shrub, in which the birds can make nests, he is showing us how the Kingdom of God truly works. The Kingdom of God is a small seed planted in each of us, but as our relationship with Jesus grows, the inward work of the Kingdom will become an outward expression for all to see.
It is no accident that Jesus mentions the birds making nests in the Mustard tree. We can probably recognize that mustard is often a spice. Yet, it is when the seed is bruised, that the vigor and flavor of the mustard seed is found. So, when a bird is perched on a branch, it is not only finding rest, but it is also finding food and nourishment.
Oh, that we might recognize that as the Kingdom of God grows in our lives, we are in the perfect place to bring rest and nourishment to our neighbor. Then, perhaps they would see the Kingdom of God as well.
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Music:
Timeless by Soul Shifters
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