What does Christianity and mustard seeds have in common? In this Bible study lesson from Mark 4, Jesus explains how the kingdom of heaven multiplies with the mustard seed parable.
Many of the disciples did not understand the story until Christ explained it. And, I also missed the point until I read over the Scripture lesson again and did some research.
Mark tells tells the mustard seed parable in simple terms.
So, what did Jesus say about the tiny mustard seed? Read on..
Jesus tells us in this study lesson how Christianity began as a small group. Then He taught how one day it would be a body of billions of people.
Christ knew what the future held. If we can keep this in mind, we know we are never alone on this earth.
Yes, the kingdom of God is everywhere.
Mustard Seed Parable – The Planting of Christianity
And He said, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it?
It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade.”
With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples. – Mark 4:30-34 NASB
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like a Mustard Seed
Christianity started out with a very small following, which is why it is compared to the small size of the mustard seed.
But, Jesus knew, just as the mustard seed would become the largest of all garden plants, His following would increase. And, Christianity would someday become worldwide with billions of believers.
Jesus tells a simple story here. Yet, the mustard seed parable becomes a powerful message for us as Christians. When Jesus gave His great commission to the disciples, He included us. And, He promises everlasting life when “harvest time” comes..
“The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” ~ Mark 4:28-29
We Are Not Alone
We sometimes feel isolated in our Christian beliefs. But remember, there are believers in Christ stretched to every corner of the earth. So, we are not alone.In our time of need, there will always be another believer to comfort us. And, as Christians, we received the Holy Spirit of Christ within to guide us.
If we can only keep that tiny “faith of the mustard seed“, we can belong to the larger group. Through prayer, reading the Bible, support, and action, we accomplish awesome feats for God’s kingdom. And, we bring others to the love and salvation of Christ.
Love in Christ
– Bob
Want to learn more about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ? Please take a moment to go here.