Tiny Seeds and Great Trees

 

And he [Jesus] said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” (Mark 4:30-32 ESV).

 

There are times in the Scripture when we don’t have the same reference point as the first readers. In our reading today, Jesus is using a very familiar reference to the Mustard Tree. In actuality Jesus is using a reference from the Old Testament, which his listeners would certainly have known. It is an old image from Ezekiel to tell a familiar sounding story with a very different conclusion. In Ezekiel 31 the world-dominating power of Assyria was compared to a huge cedar tree with far-reaching branches. This was likely one of the Cedars of Lebanon (pictured here). Its authority spread as far as the eye could see just as the branches of this great tree.

 

Jesus alters the old story by telling a parable about the kingdom of God as a mustard seed, the tiniest of seeds in those days. Though some considered it an invasive species, it grew to become the largest of all garden plants. Jesus was saying that although it might not look like much, the kingdom of God would grow to become like a sprawling tree under which all the nations would find refuge and blessing. The good news of the kingdom would spread wide from Jesus’ tiny group of followers, whom some despised. Today we can see that it has spread throughout the world; just as the Prophet Isaiah recounts the declaration of the Lord: “When I called [Abraham] he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many” (Isaiah 51:2).

 

It is altogether too easy to miss such an incredible truth simply because we are not aware of the reference. There are two things of impact in this parable. First, when God is in control, one tiny element can be a powerful influence. Often the task before us may seem impossibly large. We need not feel overwhelmed by any circumstance, no matter how challenging. If you feel insignificant, that’s merely a reminder that God is more than sufficient to accomplish great things through us. We are never too small in the plan and purpose of God.

 

Second, God always keeps His promises. When He promised Abraham that all the people of the world would be blessed through him, that promise was kept through Jesus and ultimate carried on through His church. What a great teaching for us to take to heart in these difficult days!