Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 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.” Mark 4:30-32 (NIV)
Back again Jesus goes to the seeds to help us cross the gap to see into the heavenly realm. This time He speaks of sizes. Although very small as a seed to be sown, it grows into the largest of plants. As an illustration, His words were not intended to be picked apart by scientist or scholar. He was using them to describe something which might not have definition within the languages we use here on earth. He talks of things greater than our experience and sight can take us. Therefore should you know a seed that is smaller or a plant larger, Jesus was not headed in that direction and our efforts to dispute Him would be in vain.
The concept of size that our Savior gave to the seeds and plants may help us realize in part, what happens deep within the soul of a believer. That rich soil is made of spiritual stuff and gives a spark of life to this machine we call a body, the kingdom of heaven finds root. It may start out small, yet it has the potential to become proportionally immense and overspread all else.
We can understand too that along with size it can be seen also in degrees. As a seed begins small and grows into something larger and more beautiful. So too, the spiritual plant growing within an individual starts with the smallest notion or awareness and can grow into something which spreads over and shades everything around. The kingdom of our Lord begins with the slightest thought, but can increase to consume and control the believer as it grows to maturity.
What light does the thought shed on our current standing with our Lord? The concept loses all effectiveness to bring healing and closeness to God, if we reject the spark of question it brings to our spiritual condition. How deeply are we rooted in Christ? Do we really seek Him to plant our roots into and find nourishment for growth? Do our branches really reach upward towards God so as to bring praise and adoration unto Him? Can the creatures which belong to our Lord really find shelter in the shade of our spreading branches?
The thing that matters most is not our take on where Jesus went with His words. What does have everlasting pertinence is where our roots are drawing the nourishment from. What is our purpose as we grow? Are we growing up in the Spiritual or merely in our own ways? Should we produce fruit, would they be fruits of the Spirit, or more material fruits to feed earthly ends?
Dear Jesus, our seed that You planted within us may be as small as the tiniest seed, but help it to grow each day. As You referred to Your kingdom we would point ourselves in that direction too. There is so much for us still to learn and with Your grace we might enjoy an eternity of delightful discovery there. So water what grows inside and turn it into the greatest of plants inside our hearts. Let our branches lift up to You all our attention, love and praise. Spread out the foliage of this great plant of Your kingdom until it shades us all and keeps us safely in You.
Amen
Searching For Christ 
Leave a comment