Bible Society of South Africa

Seeds of power – 8 March 2022

By Xanthe Hancox

Bible text(s)

Matthew 13

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

31Jesus told them another parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man takes a mustard seed and sows it in his field. 32It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up, it is the biggest of all plants. It becomes a tree, so that birds come and make their nests in its branches.”

Matthew 13:31-32GNBOpen in Bible reader

I love adding mustard seeds when I’m making curry. They are tiny and go everywhere if you knock the jar over, but they really pack a punch when it comes to adding flavour and texture. Today’s parable does not go into the culinary benefits of mustard seeds, but I think the sentiment is much the same – how something so small can have such a big impact.

Though the mustard seed was the smallest of seeds known to Jesus’ listeners, what would it do? Jesus said, “When it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree.”

The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. Jesus’s kingdom may look small and inconsequential, but it has the potential to grow huge to spread everywhere.

And we might think that our efforts in growing the kingdom of heaven are insignificant, but let’s not overlook God’s power potential. We are called to marvel at the tiny seed, every new believer, every tiny glimpse of the kingdom of heaven – to marvel and wonder what power and potential God has poured into it.

Remember that God changed the course of history with just a few believers, who shared the good news of Jesus with others, who spread it further and further. To God be the glory!

Prayer: Lord we look eagerly for more and more delightful signs of your kingdom growing everywhere. Give us eyes to see, and hearts that rejoice! Amen

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