The Power of Small Beginnings

Matthew 13:31–33 ESV

31 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. 32 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.” 33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Introduction

Church, have you ever planted a seed and wondered if anything would come of it? At first, it seems like nothing is happening. You cover it with dirt, water it, and wait. For days, maybe weeks, there’s no visible progress. But underground, where you can’t see, something powerful is happening—roots are growing, life is forming, and one day, that small sprout breaks through the soil. It’s a reminder that the things that look insignificant to us often hold the greatest potential when they are placed in the right conditions.

Today, we continue our series, What He Said: The Parables of Jesus, focusing on the Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven. These parables reveal deep truths about God’s kingdom. Jesus teaches that His kingdom doesn’t start with grand displays of power or overwhelming force but with small, seemingly insignificant beginnings. The mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, becomes a tree. The leaven, a tiny ingredient, transforms an entire batch of dough. Through these illustrations, Jesus calls us to see the power of small beginnings, the certainty of God’s growth, and the transformative nature of His kingdom.

Transition: As we begin, let’s look at the first truth Jesus is teaching us here. He wants us to understand that in His kingdom, even the smallest beginnings can hold incredible potential.

See Great Potential in Small Beginnings (vv.31-32)

Matthew 13:31–32 ESV

31 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. 32 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.”

Exposition: The mustard seed was known in Jesus’ time as a symbol of smallness. Though not literally the smallest seed on earth, it was proverbial in Jewish culture for its tiny size. Yet Jesus emphasizes that this tiny seed doesn’t stay small. It grows into a tree, large enough for birds to find shelter in its branches. Jesus is teaching that the kingdom of God starts in a way that seems insignificant—a baby born in a manger, a carpenter from Nazareth, a small group of fishermen—but it grows into something expansive, life-giving, and unshakable. The imagery of birds nesting in the tree connects to Old Testament prophecies. In Ezekiel 17:22-24, God speaks of planting a tender twig that grows into a majestic cedar, providing shelter for birds. Jesus is showing that His kingdom fulfills these prophecies—it may start small, but its reach and impact are universal.

Illustration: Think of a single spark in a forest. It doesn’t look like much, but with the right conditions, it ignites a fire that spreads far and wide. That’s how God’s kingdom works—it starts small but transforms everything in its path.

Application: Church, don’t despise small beginnings! Maybe God is calling you to take a small step of faith—a kind word to a neighbor, a quiet prayer, a new ministry idea. It may seem insignificant, but in God’s hands, it has the potential to grow into something extraordinary. Trust Him to take your little and do much with it.

For the believer struggling with doubt, this parable reassures us that even the smallest acts of faith matter to God. That prayer you’ve prayed over and over? God hears it. That small step you took in obedience? God sees it. Trust that God can take what seems small and use it for His glory.

Transition: Jesus continues to build on this teaching by showing us not only that God’s kingdom starts small but also that it grows gradually and over time.

Watch God Grow His Kingdom Gradually (v.32b)

Matthew 13:32b–c ESV

32 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.”

Exposition: Jesus emphasizes the process of growth. The seed doesn’t become a tree overnight. It takes time for roots to grow deep and for the plant to mature. Similarly, God’s kingdom grows steadily and powerfully, even when it seems slow to us. The disciples likely struggled with this. They expected the Messiah to establish His kingdom with immediate, visible power. Instead, Jesus taught them to trust the process of gradual growth—one heart, one life, one act of faith at a time.

Illustration: Consider a massive cathedral, constructed over generations. Each stone placed by a worker contributes to the final masterpiece. Though the progress is slow, the end result is breathtaking.

Application: Church, are you growing weary in the waiting? Maybe you’ve been praying for a breakthrough or planting seeds of ministry but haven’t seen the fruit yet. Jesus encourages us to stay faithful. Trust that God is working behind the scenes. His kingdom is growing, even when it’s not visible to our eyes.

For the believer weary of waiting, this parable teaches that God’s timing is perfect. The world may demand quick results, but God’s work often happens gradually. If you’re struggling with faith in a world that seems indifferent, remember that His kingdom is advancing, even when you cannot see it.

Transition: Now, after showing us the growth and potential of the mustard seed, Jesus shifts His focus to another element of the kingdom: its ability to influence and transform.

Be a Transforming Influence for God (v.33a)

Matthew 13:33a ESV

33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Exposition: Leaven, or yeast, was a familiar image in Jewish households. A small amount of leaven could transform a large batch of dough, making it rise and expand. Jesus uses this to illustrate the transformative power of His kingdom. Though it begins small and unseen, it changes everything it touches. The mention of "three measures of flour" is significant—it’s about fifty pounds, enough to feed over 100 people. Jesus is saying that the impact of His kingdom is far-reaching and life-changing.

Illustration: Think of a drop of dye in water. At first, it seems insignificant, but it spreads and transforms the entire glass. That’s what the kingdom of God does—it changes lives, families, and communities.

Application: Church, are you letting God’s kingdom influence your life? Are you being an agent of transformation in your home, workplace, and community? Jesus calls us to live in such a way that His love and grace spread through us, impacting everyone we encounter.

For those discouraged by the brokenness in the world—or even within themselves—this parable reminds us of the power of transformation. God is working from the inside out, transforming hearts, families, and communities. Trust that your efforts, small as they may seem, are being used by God to bring His kingdom to bear.

Transition: Finally, Jesus gives us a promise—a reminder that God’s kingdom will reach its full completion.

Trust God to Finish What He Starts (v.33b)

Matthew 13:33b ESV

33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Exposition: Just as leaven works until it transforms all the dough, God’s kingdom will ultimately fulfill its purpose. This is a promise of certainty. No matter how small the beginning or how slow the progress, God’s plan will succeed. His kingdom will reign in fullness, and His work in us will be completed (Philippians 1:6).

Philippians 1:6 ESV

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Illustration: Think of a slow-cooked meal. It takes time, but the end result is a blend of flavors that’s worth the wait.

Application: Rest in God’s promises. Whatever He has started in your life or in His kingdom, trust that He will finish it. His timing is perfect, and His plan is unstoppable.

For the believer wrestling with doubt or the weight of a broken world, this parable reassures us that God is sovereign. What He has started in you, He will bring to completion. Rest in His promises and know that His kingdom will reign in fullness.

Conclusion

In these parables, Jesus shows us the power of small beginnings, the certainty of gradual growth, the transformative influence of His kingdom, and the faithfulness of God to complete His work.

Church, I know some of you are struggling today. Maybe your faith feels small, like it’s barely hanging on. Maybe you’re discouraged by the indifference of the world or the brokenness you see all around you. But this parable reminds us that God is at work. He takes the smallest seed of faith and grows it into something mighty. He transforms hearts, families, and communities from the inside out.

And if you’re weary in the waiting, know this: God’s timing is perfect. What He has started in you, He will finish. His kingdom is growing, even when you can’t see it. It’s unstoppable, unshakable, and eternal.

Close [Hoop]: Now, I came to tell somebody today that small beginnings don’t mean small endings! Oh, it may start with just a mustard seed of faith, but my Bible says if you’ve got faith even as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains! Somebody say, ‘Move that mountain!’ Because God can take what seems little, what seems insignificant, and turn it into something great! David started as a shepherd, tending sheep in the fields, but God raised him up to be king! Somebody say, ‘He’s a King Maker!’ Gideon was hiding in the winepress, feeling small and afraid, but God called him a mighty warrior and used him to defeat the Midianites with just 300 men! Somebody say, ‘He’s a Way Maker!’ And then there was Moses, just a stuttering shepherd with a staff, but God sent him to free His people from Egypt’s grip. Somebody shout, ‘Deliverer!’ Joseph was a young boy thrown into a pit, betrayed by his own brothers, but God lifted him up to become the ruler of Egypt! Say, ‘God’s Elevating!’ And think about Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl who became a queen and saved her people from destruction! Say, ‘He’s a Protector!’ And what about Ruth, a widow gathering scraps in the fields, yet God brought her into the lineage of Jesus Christ Himself! Somebody say, ‘He’s Redeemer!’ Even the disciples were just fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men, but Jesus called them to turn the world upside down! Say, ‘He’s the World Changer!’ You may feel like you’re starting small, like you’re just planting a tiny seed—but don’t you despise the day of small beginnings! Little becomes much when you place it in the Master’s hands! Oh, it may start small, but if God is in it, it’s got power! Power to grow! Power to bless! Power to change!

Let me remind you about the ultimate small beginning! It started in Bethlehem with a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. It continued on a hill called Calvary, where Jesus stretched out His arms and died for you and me. But early one Sunday morning, that small beginning turned into something mighty! Jesus got up with all power in His hands! And because He lives, His kingdom is still growing. It’s growing in your heart. It’s growing in this church. It’s growing in this world.

So, don’t despise small beginnings. Trust that God is doing something great!

Let’s give Him praise for the power of small beginnings and the victory we have in Christ!