He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is likeyeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds[b] of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
Matthew 13.31-33
These two stories of Jesus paint a vivid picture of the kingdom that stands in stark contrast to what we often desire or even expect of God. We are conditioned by our culture to have a strong bias towards big and flashy. From our business plans to our sports teams to our discipleship we think that bigger means better.
Honestly, that’s not much different than the first disciples hearing the announcement of the kingdom of God from Jesus. They expected a big political overthrow, and they got a traveling preacher announcing good news, confronting religious systems, and offering free healthcare. (Loosely translated)
What often happens after disorientation (when Jesus doesn’t do what we expect) is often disappointment and dissatisfaction. I’ve watched as many disciples set out on a missional pathway, holding the lingering (American?) expectation that Jesus will owe them “big” as a result of their sacrifices. A bigger MC. A bigger network. A bigger platform. A bigger budget. Maybe not right away, but eventually.
The problem is, Jesus never made that promise. And that unmet expectation disorients and if not repented of can lead down the pathway of disappointment and dissatisfaction and possibly even disillusionment with Jesus himself.
Good news though, Jesus offers another way. It’s the kingdom reminder packed in this powerful set of stories that calls us to faithful participation in the kingdom even while we wait- trusting that God is using the seemingly small and insignificant towards his eternal purposes. Make no mistake- His kingdom is taking root, it will provide shade for the nations, and there will be a feast of abundance and covenantal care!
The mustard seed reminds us that God’s kingdom doesn’t rely on grand beginnings. It thrives in the small, unnoticed moments. If that’s true of God’s kingdom as a whole, I’d contend it’s also true of our participation in a kingdom way of life.
When you think about the way the Kingdom works, it grows through everyday acts of love, compassion, obedience, and faithfulness. Small choices of beauty, truth, and justice that align with the kingdom are the stuff of faithful disciplemaking communities.
We will (not may) be tempted to think our small actions of kindness, love, or service don’t make much of a difference, but Jesus is saying the opposite. Over time, those small acts will transform lives and even change how things work in society. Remember: This isn’t just about me and God- it’s about the world being made new.
consider this a fresh invitation to not just endure the small, but embrace it. Learn to love it and live in it. Patiently trust that the wisdom and power of God are at work and he will accomplish his purposes!
Questions for Reflection From Sunday’s Equipping:
How is Jesus inviting us to reimagine the kingdom in light of this story?
Do you think it’s possible that you have a different expectation for the kingdom of God that may differ from Jesus’?
Where are you tempted to think that size equals significance?
What small beginnings have you resented in your life?
What could it look like to embrace the small rather than just enduring it?
Do you sense you are in a season of disappointment or trust? Listen for the words the Spirit wants to speak to you in that season.
How could these stories help you reimagine faithfulness for your Missional Community?
One last quote for you:
As you do life, you will be tempted to orient your desires toward doing large things in famous ways as fast and as efficiently as you can. But take note. A crossroads waits for you. Jesus is that crossroads. Because almost anything in life that truly matters will require you to do small, mostly overlooked things, over a long period of time with him. …Desire greatness. But bend your definition of greatness to the one Jesus gives us.- Zach Eswine