PARABLES OF JESUS - THE MUSTARD SEED

THE MUSTARD SEED

Last week we discussed the parable of the Leaven. Most scripture describes leaven as bad – we talked last week about leaven being the penetrating power of evil in our lives. Scripture says a little leaven – leavens the whole lump. Jesus warned the disciples of the leaven – the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees – religious people trying to conform God to their image and not allowing God to be the one forming us – they added and deleted from God’s word – God’s word is whole and complete and we must follow that – so we too must heed Jesus’ warning of the leaven of false teachers who add or ignore parts of God’s word. We also talked about the difference between saving faith and believing faith and while we must have both – a shallow believing faith allows worry and fear to creep in – trust is the only antidote to worry.

Today we will discuss the parable of the mustard seed, one of the shortest parables talking about the smallest garden seed of Jesus’ time.

There are several Scripture where Jesus says if you have the faith of a mustard seed you could tell this mulberry tree to be uprooted and planted in the sea or this mountain to be taken up and thrown into the sea. Right after high school I went camping with some friends and was driving a little too fast for the dirt road and slammed into the side of the mountain. A couple of days afterwards I joked around “I guess I don’t have the faith of a mustard seed.”

Today we talk about the size of the mustard seed and what it becomes and a seed so small how it could grow to over 15ft tall with branches strong enough for birds to build nests in. So, as we begin …

Let Us Pray!

The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) (Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19)

Matthew 13:31-32 – 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.”

From small beginnings to great outcomes

What is small and grows big in nature? A tiny acorn grows into a mighty oak -

I. The Power of Small Beginnings

Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:31 – “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.”

Explanation: Show pictures

The mustard seed, though tiny, represents the potential for growth and transformation.

Emphasize that God often works through small, seemingly insignificant actions.

(remember the Talents – whether small or big use them for God)

Highlight the significance of the mustard seed as a symbol of faith and the Kingdom of God.

God uses the “small” to accomplish His Kingdom – His Will

How did Christ come into the world?

Application:

Encourage the congregation to embrace small acts of faith, service, and kindness.

(Give personal & biblical examples of small beginnings leading to significant outcomes).

Daily Devotionals

Men’s Ministry in Pueblo before leaving

RAK @ Oasis

Moses

Ruth

David

Peter

Paul

Remember Luke 1:37 – For nothing is impossible with God!

II. The Growth of the Kingdom

Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:32 – “Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants.”

How do seeds grow?

Water

Sunlight

Soil

The seed of faith needs the same but the water, sun and soil is God’s work in our lives can expand beyond our expectations.

Prayer

Being in Community

Self and Group Study of the Word

Finding application in our life

Application:

Challenge the congregation to look for ways they can contribute to the growth of God’s Kingdom in their communities.

* Help with community cleanup

* Hi-Plains ministry

* Help a local farmer during harvest

* Help with events at the Center

* Help with VBS

* Visit Grace Manor

* Help a local rancher during branding

Encourage them to trust in God’s timing and purpose for growth in their own lives.

Take an apple and take out the seeds –

If each seed produced a tree – how many apples would grow – 200-300 per year – 50 /75 years – 10,000 - 22,500 from one seed

Jesus was one man –

Then 12 followers

Then about 120 in the upper room after the ascension

To AD 49 – about 15 years after the resurrection

ACTS 17:6 – And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also

Are we turning our world upside down?

III. The Invitation to All

Scripture Reference: “It becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”

Explanation:

Everyone is invited to enter the Kingdom of God,

All are welcome to find rest and refuge.

As the growth of the mustard tree represents a place of safety for the birds of the air so the church should be a place to find rest, safety, and community.

Application:

Urge the congregation to be a welcoming community that invites others into God’s family.

Encourage them to reflect on how they can provide support and nurturing to those around them.

Check in on those who just came home from the hospital

Check in on our widows

Check in on those who recently lost a loved one

Check in on those who have not been to church in awhile and see how they are doing

Conclusion:

Recap the main points about the power of small beginnings, the growth of the Kingdom, and the invitation to all.

Not giant faith but true faith – Faith and Trust in Him – His Character, His Power, His Promises – Joni Eareckson Tada – a quadriplegic defines this type of faith as being sure of Christ’s commitment to you rather than measuring your commitment to Him,

What produce does your faith produce?

What are the fruits of your faith?

Jesus calls us to seek first … then …

Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

God to help us embrace our potential, help us trust in You, Your Growth, and give us the courage to extend Your invitation to others; other believers who have left but also to those who do not yet believe.