The Bible tells us that Jesus used parables to teach people in such a way that they would understand. In fact, the Bible says, “He never taught without using parables.” (Mark 4:34)
In our Bible lesson today, we find one of the best-known parables of Jesus. It is called “The Parable of the Mustard Seed.” Have you ever seen a mustard seed? They are very tiny.
Jesus began his mustard seed parable by asking, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of seeds, but it becomes the largest of all the plants in the garden; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
Jesus was teaching his followers that the Kingdom of God had a small beginning. How many disciples did Jesus start with? You are right, Jesus began his ministry on earth with a very small group of twelve followers, but as they followed Jesus and told others about him, the Kingdom grew and grew until it covered the whole earth. You might think that you are too small to be an important part of the Kingdom of God, but when we tell others about Jesus, we help the Kingdom to grow to spread over the whole earth. So, when you start to think that you are too small to be important in the Kingdom of God, remember the parable of the mustard seed.
Father, we sometimes think we are too small to be important in the Kingdom of God. Help us to remember the parable of the mustard seed we have learned this morning. If we will tell others about what Jesus has done for us and what he wants to do for them, we can have a part in growing the Kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Thank you to Claire Hannington for this week’s Sunday School Lesson.
