7/21/20

Our scripture this week is Matthew 13:31-43.

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Jesus tells the crowd how their faith can grow with a parable about a mustard seed. He says “Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches” (v. 32). He doesn’t tell them they must understand all the mysteries of the universe to be able to share God’s love, just a faith the size of a mustard seed will do to start.

We’ve heard it said that faith is a journey, not a destination and that is His point with this lesson. We don’t “arrive” at a full knowledge of God and His plan for us all at once, we learn and grow as we live out our lives. Each new experience teaches us more about the way God made us and how He wants to be in relationship with us.

Many people seem to think they need more knowledge or better skills before they can effectively share their faith – not so says Jesus. We are all called to tell the world of God’s love right here, right now, using the gifts we have been given. Ask God to help you nurture the “mustard seed” of your faith that it may grow for all to see.

Loving Lord, we are humbled that You ask us to be part of Your plan for creation. Give us strength and courage to go into the world in Your name, that all may know Your love. Amen.

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