The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Mark 4
30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 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.”
33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
It seems this parable is about more than that one tiny seed that is referenced. Jesus likens the mustard seed to the kingdom of God in that the smallest of seeds planted grows into the largest of the garden plants. That small seed can serve a big purpose. The disciples, at this point, are not well known. They are in the early stages of their learning and probably feel insignificant in their roles. But Jesus is showing them that no matter how small they feel or seem, their work is for greater. Their work is laying part of the foundation for others to do their work for the kingdom of God.
As I examine this text more closely, I see something else. It states, "But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything." There's something to be said about being alone with Jesus so that He can explain everything...without interruption...in private. Every now and then there is value in going off alone with Jesus so that He can teach you about yourself and about Himself.
Small seed, do not miss your opportunity to help grow the kingdom of God, but also do not miss going off alone with Him to learn what your role is in kingdom building.
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