Mark 4:26-34 (NRSV)
Read Mark 4:26-34 on biblegateway.com
Verse 26He also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, Verse 27and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. Verse 28The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. Verse 29But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come."
Verse 30He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? Verse 31It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; Verse 32yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."
Verse 33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; Verse 34he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.
Devotion
Jesus’ parable reminds us that tiny things can have a mighty impact, far beyond what one might expect. The mustard seed—so very small—has the potential to become a veritable tree.
Last year this tiny seed spawned an uproar, when the Minnesota State Fair seemed ready to ban yellow mustard from its annual “Crop Art” competition, rules of which stipulate that all plant materials must come from Minnesota agriculture and horticulture. There may yet be some reprieve from that upsetting verdict of “Not a crop, just an invasive weed,” since it is grown in neighboring states and is used as a cover crop in Minnesota.
But maybe there is something in considering “mustard” invasive. For that is what God’s kingdom is, albeit a good invasion. One that can start small, practically invisible. But as it grows, as it takes root, it provides the shade the world needs. Let us do our part to help it take root!
Prayer
Caring God, give us the insight to help your kingdom take root and spread in this world. Amen.
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