The Kingdom's Growth
From Small Beginnings
The Mustard Seed
Description
Jesus compared the kingdom to a mustard seed—the smallest of seeds that grows into the greatest of herbs, providing shelter for birds. The kingdom begins small and seemingly insignificant but grows to worldwide influence. The church began with twelve disciples and has spread to every nation. The kingdom grows organically, not through human programs or political power but through the mysterious working of God. The seed grows while the sower sleeps—first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn.
Key Verses
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
For who hath despised the day of small things?
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.