Sunday 27 July 2014
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
Background
The old adage says that small things make a big difference - andthat is certainly the case in this narrative interlude in Matthew'sGospel. Prior to this passage, Jesus' identity has been challengedby religious authorities and his own family. He is keen todemonstrate that he is of the kingdom of heaven, rather than aprophet in the world. These parables and similes are part of thisexplanation.
The kingdom of heaven is a kingdom to which all are invited, butnot all will understand or respond to. The Parable of the Sower (
Jesus then continues to demonstrate that seemingly small signshave great impact. Through mustard seeds and yeast, Jesus describesthe kingdom of heaven as a place of hospitality and of life andsustenance. The kingdom of heaven is not a place of regulations andred tape, but a promise of life and welcome.
Throughout Scripture, bread is used as a metaphor for thekingdom of God. In the wilderness wandering of the Hebrew people,God provided manna for them - their daily, heavenly, life-givingprovision (Exodus 16). Jesus himself declares that he isthe "bread of life" (
In today's world, even small signs of the kingdom of heaven canbring transformation, life and welcome to those in need of freedomand grace. This is a very precious gift. Like the treasure buriedin the field, it is a costly gift, but worth the energy and effortand loss in order to receive.
It takes one small thing to change the world; to bring life andwelcome and to offer grace.
To Ponder
- Watch this video - what strikes you from it?
- What one small thing can you do today, to change theworld?
- Write your own parable: "The kingdom of God is like …".