The Kingdom Would Have a The Kingdom Would Have a Small BeginningSmall Beginning
• Kingdom compared to the mustard seed• 20,000 seeds to make one ounce• Produces a very large plant• Can grow 10-12 feet in a few weeks
As a tiny seed will grow into the largest of garden plants, so God’s kingdom will produce many people
who truly believe!
The Mustard SeedThe Mustard Seed
• The Plant• The smallest of seeds• 10-15 feet in height• Shelter for birds
• Proverbial Uses• Used frequently to describe anything that is
small in its beginning
Mustard Seed Faith!Mustard Seed Faith!
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and
it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20
The Meaning of the ParableThe Meaning of the Parable
• Kingdom of Heaven would have a small beginning• Old Testament prophecy foretold this
• Messiah: Isaiah 11:1; 53:2-3• Kingdom: Daniel 2:35, 44
“The Son of Man grew up in a despised province; He did not appear in public until His thirtieth year; then taught for two or three years in neighboring villages, and occasionally at Jerusalem; made a few
converts, chiefly among the poor and unlearned; and then falling into the hands of His enemies, died the shameful death of the cross; such, and so
slight, was the commencement of the universal kingdom of God.”-- C. Trench, Notes on the Parables of our Lord
The Meaning of the ParableThe Meaning of the Parable
• Its growth would belie its humble beginnings• Growth of the church in the first century
confirmed the truth of Jesus’ parable• 120 to 3,000 in one day: Acts 2:41-42• Soon 5,000: Acts 4:4• Continued to multiply: Acts 6:7• Throughout cities: Acts 9:31• Many believers in Jerusalem: Acts 21:20
The Meaning of the ParableThe Meaning of the Parable
• Its growth would benefit the world• In regard to the kingdom, Paul wrote:
• Those seeking rest for their souls, Jesus offers His invitation:• Matthew 11:28-30
“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 14:17
Today, the kingdom of Heaven continues to grow and spread out its branches to those who will accept it.
The Growth of the KingdomThe Growth of the Kingdom
• There is the “mathematical possibility”• 20 disciples converting one person a year,
then their converts doing the same:• Year 1 – 40• Year 5 – 640• Year 10 – 20,480• Year 15 – 655,360
The Growth of the KingdomThe Growth of the Kingdom
• There is the “spiritual possibility”• “Seed” of the kingdom – the Word of God
• “Seed” which is incorruptible• 1 Peter 1:23-25
• “Seed” capable of producing• Isaiah 55:10-11
This parable This parable declares that the declares that the
kingdom will grow!kingdom will grow!
The Growth of the KingdomThe Growth of the Kingdom
• What is needed is people• People with vision• People willing to put
the kingdom of Godfirst in their lives!• Matthew 6:33
• People willing to abidein Christ• John 15:4-8
ConclusionConclusion
• The potential for the kingdom’s growth rests in the person who reigns as its king!• Philippians 4:13
“The Parable of the Mustard Seed”
An encouragement – kingdom of heaven is destined for great things, though its beginning was smallA reminder – that if we are going to be useful to the Master, we must “abide in Him” so we can “bear much fruit”