Our scripture this morning is Luke 13:18-21.
Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.” He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”
Jesus used many examples to teach us about how God’s kingdom works. Notice He doesn’t give us a physical description but rather how our actions as part of His plan are important. He uses these stories to make us think about what we are called to do in His name.
The mustard seed teaches us that even very small things have a purpose, and when they mature they may be much larger. Our faith may begin like the mustard seed but if we continue to nurture and grow our faith, it can be shared as a blessing to others. Jesus wants us all to be ready to testify to what God has done in our lives.
The yeast parable tells us that if we take our faith out into the world, it can spread to everyone. We are all sent to proclaim Jesus, loving and caring for others as He did. We may only be a small part of His work individually but as the body of Christ we can make a big difference.
Gracious God, thank You for the gift of Your son, that through Him we might be saved. Help us to use our gifts to tell everyone the joy we know in You. Amen.