Saturday 6 July 2024
He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it?" (v. 18)
Background
Anyone who thinks the kingdom of God is easy to explain should consider why Jesus had to find so many parables and metaphors to illustrate it. It can never be as simple as we might think, and yet it can start off very small and simple indeed.
We have seen in our studies this week many examples of the kingdom of God at work in the ministry of Jesus – and we must think about how this same Jesus is at work in our own communities, churches, families and in the world. On Wednesday, we saw in the life of Thomas how a changed life can impact many others. And in yesterday’s reading, we saw how a chance encounter – with a woman walking into a place of worship – can bring healing and restoration to an individual, and joy to a whole community.
Jesus says the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. I’ve always found that the mustard seeds we buy in the UK give rather pathetic little plants, like cress. But the mustard that grows in Palestine and the Middle East can indeed turn into shrubs and even trees. However the seeds are still very small. And that’s the point. Small makes a difference.
Jesus also says the kingdom of God is like yeast. A little bit of yeast can make a massive difference to bread.
There is great encouragement when Jesus gives us these little images. The small thing makes a difference to all. Even the birds benefit!
I think Jesus is telling his disciples: What do you think the kingdom of God stands for? What are its values? Well, don’t wait for it to happen, live it now!
Small actions matter. Whether that’s acts of honesty, kindness, integrity, compassion, healing and generosity; or a smile, a word of encouragement or taking the time to sit and listen. Both in the organised mission of the Church, and (more often) in the attitudes and acts of ordinary people, these seemingly insignificant things can have a knock-on effect, changing the day for someone, changing their outlook, and who knows where it will lead?
I’ve managed to make a long article out of four short verses! So maybe Jesus wants us all to take whatever good little thing we can offer, and let it be transformed and used by him, and then do it again and again, and let the Kingdom-blessing increase.
To Ponder:
- Can you think of a small thing someone has done for you that has made a big difference?
- Modern technology can often be used to waste time. Can you think of how you might use the technology at your fingertips to redeem some of the time for God?
- How can your church use the people and opportunities it has to be yeast (or mustard seeds) in your community?
Bible notes author: The Revd Andrew Murphy
A Methodist presbyter in the East Mercia Circuit, Andrew is currently the minister of the churches of Harborough, Kibworth and Daventry. Married to Emily, with two children, aged eight and ten, he has been in the ministry for 16 years, previously serving in the Hinckley Circuit. He trained at the Wesley Study Centre in Durham, is a published hymnwriter, supports Newcastle United FC, and is proud of his roots in Consett, County Durham.