The Kingdom Starts Small
Jesus asked a question to his listeners that piqued their curiosity. It was a question that many in the crowd were wondering about. Unfortunately, it is a question that we often quietly insist we can answer without Jesus. The question Jesus asked the crowd was this:
“What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?”
Even though Jesus answered the question, we often act as if we have a better answer than his, or at least we would prefer that Jesus consider our approach to setting up a good kingdom.
We would probably agree with some of the ways the kingdom of God should look. If we were in charge, then the first thing we might do is make sure that this kingdom is set up and functioning well instantly. After all, with AI we can get answers to almost anything quickly, so surely, we could design our kingdom quickly. Why wait for it if you can have it now!
In our kingdom design we probably want maximum comfort and good finishes. And of course, in our kingdom we would expect unlimited resources so we can accomplish everything we are sure we missed out on up until this new kingdom comes into existence.
As for who gets into the kingdom, we might have disagreements due to our current prejudices and preferences, but our broad brush of admission would be that of course we want everyone to experience the kingdom as soon as they check all the boxes of the characteristics and behaviors we would expect in our new digs.
Jesus, of course, didn’t focus on any of these things. In fact, his approach was that the kingdom of God starts really small. Jesus said the kingdom of God is like the smallest mustard seed and is sown in a garden. And it grew to become a tree large enough for the birds of the air to nest in its branches. So, our instant approach doesn’t align with Jesus. In his kingdom, things start small and take time to grow.
Which also leads to another problem if we apply this, as I think is intended. We will have to give up the idea that all the people attempting to embrace the kingdom probably aren’t going to have everything figured out and be living perfectly when they enter. Seeds die and grow awhile before they produce good fruit or have strong limbs.
Jesus also said that the kingdom of God is like leaven that a woman takes and hides in three measures of flour until it is all leavened. The proportion of yeast to flour is pretty small, but it has big results. Again, the things of God always start small and expand in significant ways.
I suspect that none of us would claim that the day we had a small seed of faith planted in our hearts and minds was also the day that we suddenly turned into a fully mature person of faith who spoke and acted like Jesus. So, if that is true with us, then I assume we should give others the same opportunities to grow and mature in their faith and understanding of God over time.
Imagine what might happen if even in the smallest little community we began to take seriously allowing God to form us into his image daily. We would probably pray a bit more, share our faith a little quicker, be a little more generous in sharing our resources, and a little more patient with those around us who think and act differently.
We know what Jesus said was true. We have read how the disciples and the early church started small but expanded throughout the known world in just a few decades. And your and my faith journeys are a direct result of a mustard seed that was sown just a couple thousand years ago.
Father, we realize today that we get lost in the big challenges of our days and the big dreams we have. Today, help us with fresh eyes and open hearts to trust that whatever small act of faith we practice might just be the seed that you use to change someone’s life for eternity. And in the process might also change us and even the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Luke 13:18-21 ESV
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