Compared to the depth of the Parable of the Four Soils that Jesus had just been digging into, this parable feels zoomed out and addresses more of the big picture going on. For us, as people who live in a time after Jesus has already come to earth, died, and risen back to life, Jesus’ fame and Kingdom feels large and widespread. However, thinking about this time, I’m reminded of how small and humble His beginnings on earth were. Amidst strong religious leaders and powerhouse world kingdoms was a simple carpenter with twelve friends who had just as lowly beginnings as He did. And yet here we are now, in a time where we are part of the global Church that extends all over the earth, making strides for God’s Kingdom to come. What an encouraging message for us all! As we each do what can feel like our “small” part in following Jesus in the time and place He has assigned to us, we follow behind what started as a small seed of the heavenly Kingdom and join the community of believers that exists across the world! Let’s go!
"Again he said, 'What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.'"
Mark 4:31-32