The Mystery of the Kingdom’s Growth

Series: What He Said: The Parables of Jesus Christ #6

Mark 4:26-29

Mark 4:26–29 ESV

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

Introduction

As we continue our series, What He Said: The Parables of Jesus, today’s text, brings us to the Parable of the Growing Seed. This parable is a powerful reminder that the kingdom of God doesn’t advance by human effort but grows through the mysterious and sovereign work of God.

Think for a moment about the miracle of growth—whether it’s a field of crops, a child learning to walk, or even your own spiritual journey. We often do what’s required, but the results are beyond our control.

This parable invites us to reflect on the same truth for the kingdom of God. While we faithfully sow the gospel, the growth is in God’s hands.

Transition: So, what does this growth look like, and how do we play our part? Let’s begin with the first step: understanding, The Kingdom Grows through Our Obedience

1. The Kingdom Grows through Our Obedience (v. 26)

“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.” Jesus begins with a familiar image: a man scattering seed. This points to our role in the kingdom—obediently sharing the Word of God. The farmer’s responsibility is clear: sow the seed. But notice, the farmer doesn’t control the seed’s growth. His job is to be faithful in planting. Exposition: - The seed represents the Word of God (Mark 4:14). - The act of scattering emphasizes intentionality. We must take the initiative to share the gospel wherever God places us. - Think about a gardener: the focus is not on understanding how the seed will grow but on faithfully planting it in fertile soil. God does the rest.

Illustration: Consider a missionary who faithfully preached the gospel in a remote village for years without seeing any conversions. Decades later, a new pastor found the church thriving. The seeds planted long ago had grown in God’s timing.

Run: And isn’t that like our God? You may not see the fruit of your labor today, but don’t stop sowing! Keep planting, keep watering, and trust that God’s Word is working beneath the surface. Somebody needs to know that your obedience is never in vain—God is faithful to bring the increase! Application: - Are you sowing the seed? In your family? Workplace? Community? Remember, every seed sown in faith has the potential to transform lives. - Don’t underestimate small acts of faithfulness—a kind word, a prayer, or sharing a testimony. These are seeds God can use. - Commit to scattering seeds daily, even when results seem invisible. Trust that God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).

Isaiah 55:11 ESV

11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Transition: Let’s look at the next stage: trusting the growth that only God can bring by understanding this. . .

2. The Kingdom Grows Beyond Our Control (v. 27)

“He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.” After the farmer sows, he goes about his daily life, unaware of how the seed grows. This highlights a humbling truth: spiritual growth is God’s work, not ours. Exposition: - The farmer’s ignorance underscores the mysterious work of God—it’s not by human effort but by divine power.

Paul says, in. . .

1 Corinthians 3:6–7 ESV

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

- "Night and day" reflects the passage of time. Growth happens gradually and often imperceptibly. - The natural process of growth reveals God’s sovereignty. It’s a reminder that we are stewards, not creators, of the kingdom’s work.

Illustration:

During World War II, a young soldier found himself in a dire situation and wanted to give up. But a piece of scripture fell into his hands, and he clung to it in his darkest hours. Unbeknownst to him, this soldier began to share that scripture with fellow soldiers in the trenches, inspiring hope and courage. Years later, he received letters from those soldiers, expressing how this act had transformed their lives. This shows that sometimes, the quiet and seemingly small acts of faith can resonate and ripple through the lives of others, expanding the Kingdom of God.

Run:

Church, that young soldier had no idea what God was doing behind the scenes. He was just trying to survive, clinging to the Word in his darkest moments. But even in the midst of his struggle, God was at work, using his faithfulness to plant seeds of hope in the hearts of others. And what did God do? He took that small act and caused it to grow—transforming lives, bringing courage, and expanding His Kingdom.

Some of you are in a season where it feels like your faithfulness isn’t making a difference. You’ve been sowing seeds—praying for your family, working diligently in ministry, showing kindness to others—and you’re wondering if it’s all in vain. But can I tell you something? God sees your faithfulness! And in His time, those seeds will grow.

So, don’t give up! Keep sowing. Keep trusting. Keep sharing the Word. Because the same God who brought life to the trenches of that war can bring life to the dry places in your situation. Remember, the growth isn’t in your hands; it’s in God’s hands. And when God is at work, nothing can stop the harvest that’s coming! Trust His timing, and keep pressing forward in faith! Application: - Trust God’s timing. Whether it’s a loved one coming to faith or a ministry bearing fruit, remember that God works in unseen ways. - Avoid the temptation to control or rush the process. Rest in God’s sovereignty. - Pray persistently for God to work in hearts and situations, even when results aren’t immediate. Trust the unseen hand of God.

Transition: Just as we marvel at the unseen work of God, the next step reveals His divine order in the process of growth. What starts as a tiny blade doesn’t stay that way—it’s all part of God’s intentional design. He is the next principle. . .

3. The Kingdom Grows According to God’s Design (v. 28)

“The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” Growth happens in stages: first the blade, then the ear, and finally the full grain. This speaks to God’s orderly and intentional design for growth. Exposition: - The phrase "by itself" (Greek: *automatos*) emphasizes the natural, God-ordained process. - Each stage of growth has a purpose, showing that God’s work is incremental but intentional. - Spiritual growth mirrors this agricultural process—small beginnings lead to fruitful results in God’s time.

Illustration: Think of a child learning to walk. First, they crawl, then they stand, and finally, they walk with confidence. Each stage is essential, just as in spiritual growth.

Run: And you know what happens when that child takes their first step—everyone celebrates! That’s what God does for us. He rejoices over every step of our growth. So don’t despise the crawling stage or the stumbling steps. Each step is getting you closer to walking in victory. Somebody say, "I’m still growing!" Each stage is essential, just as in spiritual growth. Application: - Celebrate the process, not just the outcome. Spiritual growth—in yourself or others—takes time. - Encourage others in their growth, understanding that each stage is necessary and valuable. - Reflect on your own journey: Are you progressing through the stages of spiritual maturity? Take the next step today.

Transition: And as we celebrate each step, we look forward to the grand finale—the glorious harvest. What does that harvest mean for us? Let’s explore this final stage together. . .

4. The Kingdom Grows toward a Glorious Harvest (v. 29)

“But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

The parable ends with a harvest, a picture of the kingdom’s ultimate fulfillment. While we participate in sowing, God brings the harvest in His perfect timing. Exposition: - The ripe grain points to spiritual maturity and the readiness of souls for God’s kingdom. - The sickle imagery echoes Joel 3:13 and Revelation 14:15, pointing to the final judgment and ingathering. - This reminds us of the urgency of gospel work. The harvest is coming, and we must labor while there is time.

Illustration: Farmers know the joy of harvest season—all their labor culminates in the reward of a fruitful crop. Similarly, heaven rejoices over every soul brought into the kingdom.

Run: And when that harvest comes, it’s shouting time! Every tear you’ve cried, every prayer you’ve prayed, every seed you’ve sown—it all leads to the joy of the harvest. Let me tell you, church, there’s a harvest coming, and when it comes, we’ll rejoice with all of heaven! Similarly, heaven rejoices over every soul brought into the kingdom. Application: - Live in readiness for the ultimate harvest. Are you prepared for Christ’s return? - Be diligent in sharing the gospel, knowing that eternity is at stake. - Rejoice in the small harvests God allows you to witness, and look forward to the ultimate gathering in His kingdom.

Transition: It all leads to this beautiful conclusion. . .

Conclusion

This parable reminds us of our partnership with God in His kingdom work. We sow the seed, but God gives the growth. We trust His timing, celebrate His process, and rejoice in the harvest. And oh, what a harvest awaits! One day, Jesus will return to gather His people those who have trusted in Him—into His eternal kingdom. As we consider this, think back to the process: the seed sown, the unseen growth, the stages of maturing faith. It all leads to this beautiful conclusion the final harvest. This is where the sower’s labor and God’s miraculous growth converge to bring forth an eternal reward. Let’s prepare our hearts as we reflect on the joy and fulfillment of the ultimate harvest. Let me remind you of the ultimate Seed, the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. He was sown into the ground in death, but on the third day, He rose in power, securing the eternal harvest for all who believe. So, sow the seed with faith. Trust the Lord of the harvest. And rejoice in the growth that only He can bring. Closing Call to Action: If you’ve never trusted Jesus as your Savior, today is the day to respond. He has already done the work—all you need to do is receive the gift of salvation. For the rest of us, let’s recommit to scattering the seed of the gospel, trusting in God’s mysterious and mighty power to bring the increase.

The Hoop:

I feel like preaching right here! Can’t you see the Seed that was sown? Over 2,000 years ago, God planted Jesus in the soil of our sin and shame. They buried Him in the ground on Friday, but early Sunday morning, He rose with all power in His hands! And now, because He lives, the harvest is guaranteed.

But let me tell you something else—this harvest isn’t just any harvest. This is the harvest of your soul’s salvation! That same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the grave is available to you today. Whatever is buried in your life—whether it’s hope, joy, or faith—God has the power to bring it back to life! Somebody shout, "Resurrection power!"

Keep sowing, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Keep trusting, even when the nights are long and the days are hard. And keep rejoicing, because we serve a God who turns graves into gardens, who makes dead things live again, and who guarantees a harvest that will last for eternity. Somebody shout, “Harvest time!”