Parable of the Mustard Seed

Day:    6

Topic: The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Text: (NKJV)  Luke 13:18-19 , Mathew 13:31-32 31

Introduction

The parable of the mustard seed teaches us that the Kingdom of Heaven may start small, but it has the potential to grow and expand greatly, providing refuge, comfort, security and protection, and sustenance for many people to benefit from. Much like the mustard seed that grows into a tall, strong tree, a small faith can be compared to the idea that even though it starts small, it can lead to great exploits. So, we can confidently say that the parable of the mustard seed teaches us that small beginnings can lead to great endings. 

Life Lessons

• Small seeds can grow big; so is small faith: The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds and yet grows into a large tree. (Small things in the eyes of men may seem insignificant, or not very important, yet in the eyes of God is a great thing). Matthew 13:31-32
• Faith – Little Faith can bring about great results: Even a small amount of faith can have a big impact Mathew 17:20-21
• God’s Word has transformative power: God’s Word, though small in appearance, has incredible transformative power, so is our faith no matter how small it may be.   Hebrews 4:12
• The Kingdom of God will spread and include all nations, so is our small gift, talent, and faith: The Kingdom of God started small with Jesus and his disciples (Fishermen and persons that were not regarded in the society) but grew and spreads across the world. Mathew 24:14

Life applications

• Do not despise small beginnings; they have great potential for success.

The scripture speaks about the importance of “little things” Zachariah 4:10 (Among many members of our body, the eye is the smallest but very important to our daily function).

Jesus speaks about little children (The uninvited guests) Mathew 19:13-14, Mark 10:14-16, Luke 18:16-17

• The widow’s mite

Mark 12:41-44 (Some may have a more visible role or what appears important roles in the eyes of humans, but God may see it differently – this is not to say that every visible works is less important than what appears small; it’s all about how God perceives it).

• Elijah and the widow at Zarephath – Small faith can do great exploits.

1 Kings17:12

• Faith – Matthew 17:20 Our faith, gift, and talent may appear small and insignificant at the beginning, yet when it is natured and encouraged, it will surely yield great and desired results.
• Humility – Be humble; The mustard seed may go unnoticed at its beginning and probably through most of its growing process because of the size, but with patience, encouragement, and tender loving care, it produces great results when it’s fully matured.

1. Small things signify humble beginnings – the party table. Luke 14:8-11 8

• Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ – The King of all kings was born in a very lowly and humble place. Luke 2:7 7
• Jesus washed the feet of His disciples – Jesus shows how great things can start small. John 13: 6-7

• David chosen as King – Men look at the outward appearance but God see end result: 1 Samuel 16:3-13.
• Be patient and ready to go through the process – David killed Goliath – 1 Samuel 17:38-41
• Encouragement – We ought to encourage one another, no matter how small or insignificant we think their beginnings appear.
• The end crowns the beginning: Ecclesiastes 7:8

The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

The purpose (The end result) of this small Seed, Faith, Gift, and Talent, is to be fruitful and produce great results for the benefit of the owner – God.

• Provides Shade (Shelter)
• Comfort (Rest and Peace)
• Security and Protection
• Food and Medicine

Lesson of the Day

• Great things start small and as the saying goes, a thousand-mile journey starts with a step.
• Do not be afraid to start small and do not despise a small beginning; it could be yourself or others.
• Be an encourager; help build others you see with small measure of faith, talent, and gift to grow – they need your encouragement, support, and assurance to keep going – you don’t need to bring them down; they might already be at their lowest and need your help and support to rise.

Complied by: Deacon Charles Kretsi