30And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything. (Mark 4:30-34)
For centuries, the Jews looked for a king who would multiply their nation, increase its joy and destroy its oppressors (Isaiah 9). Jesus was that king, but his kingdom was not one of military might or political power. It was more like a small seed that would grow into a giant plant.
Jesus came in smallness, but will return in greatness. He arrived as a baby in a manger and will return as a king on a throne. He wielded a carpenter’s hammer and will return with a sword. His kingdom began with 12 and will end with every tribe, tongue and nation. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and will part the skies on a white war horse. The kingdom has begun, but is not complete. The seed has been planted and is now growing.
We can take at least three encouragement from this passage:
Be satisfied with small seeds.
We pastors are always ‘launching’ things. We love to launch new programs, websites, mission statements, small groups, classes and other initiatives. But the Kingdom isn’t about launches; it’s about seeds. We’re not NASA, we’re local farmers. It’s not rocket science, it’s agriculture.
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” (Luke 17:20-21)
Let’s not be so busy looking for the next big thing that we miss the next small thing. Be faithful in your smallness, because the kingdom of God is there.
Be patient with growth.
This is the age of touch-screen immediacy, but we must remember that we are not tablets. We are a field. God’s produce comes about slowly, as a plant grows. So don’t give up in your battle against sin. Hang in there in that hard marriage. Keep serving in your local church. The Kingdom of God takes time, and it is growing in you.
Be hopeful for the future.
One day, God’s rule will be firmly and fully established over everything. Wrongs will be made right. Judgment will be carried out. Tears will be dried. So be hopeful!
Discussion Starters
- Take some time to catch up with one another.
- Share together what you already know about the Kingdom of God. What is it? What is it like? How is it different from earthly kingdoms? How is it similar? What scriptures come to mind as you think about the Kingdom of God?
- Read Mark 4:30-32. What exactly is Jesus saying about the Kingdom here? What is his point?
- How does this effect the way we view ourselves as part of God’s Kingdom?
- Based on this, what are the implications for how we should move forward as a House to House group? As a church? As a denomination?
- Take some time to pray for one another.
