#1156. The Kingdom is like a mustard seed (1/10/24)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue in our Luke, Exploring Who Jesus is series. Today, from Luke 13:18-19, we reflect on the Parable of The Mustard Seed and how we are to believe in the progress and ultimate success of God’s kingdom.

Luke 13:18–19

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‘Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”’ (Luke 13:18-19)

Luke 13:18–19

The oldest known tree in the world is a Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) located in the White Mountains of California. This tree, often referred to as ‘Methuselah’, is estimated to be over 4,800 years old. At some point, this great tree would have been an inconspicuous and seemingly weak seed and sapling. However, the power in the seed created a life that has continued for nearly 5 millennia!

In this mustard seed parable, we see that the power is in the seed. The type of tree, its longevity and size are all dependent upon the nature of the seed. Likewise, the effects of the Kingdom of God are dependent upon the power of the King and His plans no matter how small and weak it seems at the beginning.

Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a mustard seed. Like a mustard seed - easy to dismiss and ignore - so Jesus was easy to dismiss and ignore. Many in Israel, and many of the religious leaders, rejected Jesus as their promised King and Messiah. However, like the mustard seed that grows into such a massive tree, so, Jesus’ reign and impact will be universal.

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.’ (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Isaiah 9:6–7

This child of Bethlehem, born in poverty, will reign forever! His death, seemingly foolish and weak, is the hope of the world and the power that will lead to the restoration of all things and the salvation of multitudes who will live in renewed creation and in renewed ‘resurrection’ bodies.

Response

Have you and I lost hope in the spreading and growth of The Kingdom of God? Do we know that Jesus plans to bring many into the Kingdom? Do we know that His Kingdom will fill the earth ‘as the waters cover the sea’? Let’s reaffirm our faith that He is ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.’

Let’s pray together

“Lord Jesus, I thank you for this great principle and promise that tiny, insignificant things are important and can become more than we can imagine. Help me to faithfully serve you in the small ways. Today, I reaffirm that even my small acts of faith are a part of your great scheme for the growth of your Kingdom throughout the world. Amen.”