13^th February

 “…The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants: it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

Matthew 13:31-32 

Jesus in today’s parable again talks of what the Kingdom of Heaven is likened too. He uses the picture of a small mustard seed. A seed that is so small yet has such a big influence.

It’s often wondered why Jesus used a mustard seed to explain the work of salvation because in truth most seeds produce an increase of fruit/flowers once planted. Yet the sheer magnitude of a tree that has grown from a simple mustard seed cannot be matched. The mustard tree was made famous by how quickly it grows and how wide it spreads it branches, yet it starts with such small beginnings. If the conditions are right for growth it can grow between 5-10 meters tall.

So what does this parable mean for us today? It is often said that the work of a mustard seed is like God’s work in our hearts. From the moment He saves us we become transformed and start to have an impact on those around us. This is true however it’s so much more than that. God saves us so not only can we reach out individually but corporately as the body of Christ. We have bigger impact together as a united body, an impact so large others feel comfortable and safe to perch on our branches. We are the hosts of the presence of God in our communities, neighbourhoods, towns and cities. What does this say to you? Never despise what little you have but in Christ what you think is a small mustard seed, can be seen as large tree to impact your friends, famalies and nieghbours for the kingdom of God.