PARTNERING WITH JESUS IN HIS MISSION
WHAT'S THE POINT.... IT'S ONLY A SEED - Mark 4:26-34 - 15 June 2025
Jokes!
And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything. (Mar 4:26-34)
2 parables - this time with a clue!
The Kingdom of God!
“The time has come, the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe this good news.” Mark.1:14.15
This is the Gospel!
But what is it and how does it work?
Because God doesn't always appear to be working!
THE PARABLE OF THE DISAPPEARING SEED
Nothing unusual here!
Seeds planted, disappear and... Nothing!!!
Often how it appears with God - Nothing happens!
“The seed sprouts and grows, though it does not know how! All by itself the soil produces grain, first the stalk, then the head then the full kernel in the head…” 27,28
The Kingdom of God is like this.
So don’t lose hope. Don’t give up.
So keep the faith, be encouraged and keep going!
THE MUSTARD SEED!
The main point.
Exaggeration:
it was the smallest of all seeds, it grows larger than any garden plant and becomes a tree. Mat 13:32
Which everyone knew was not true!
“Look here you guys”, he says, “Just as you don’t expect a tiny, tiny, infinitesimally small and insignificant Mustard seed to produce a plant which has branches big and strong enough in which birds can nest - so the way God’s Kingdom works in this world, in your life, is astonishing” It’s impact breathtaking!
A tiny seed is sown in our own minds
What does God need to achieve his purpose?
Who does God welcome?
God is at work – in you, in our church, in His World…
This is how the Kingdom of God works
Imperceptibly,
Inevitably
Incredibly
Are you willing and able to join in?
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY AND REFLECTION
1. In reading these 2 parables, which do you like the most? Why?
2. If you were to look at the evidence, what is God doing in the world?
What is He doing in your life?
3. The parable of the disappearing seed suggests God is at work – even when we can’t see it or feel it. What do you think God might be doing in you at the moment? How is He wanting you to grow? What is He wanting you to learn?
What do you think God might be doing in the world?
What does the Bible say to help us answer these questions?
4. In the parable of the mustard seed, Jesus suggests that size is not significant! If you could dare to believe God would use you for something great, what would that be? What is holding you back? Why is it hard to believe it is possible? What would you need to do to partner with what God wants to do?
5. The tree is described as so big that birds of the air can perch in its shade. This is something that could never be true of a mustard plant! What do you think this is suggesting about who is welcome in God’s family. How is this reflected in your attitude and behaviour toward others who are different?
6. These are parables about who God is, How God works and what He is up to. What is our role in God’s Work? What will you do this week to find out and participate?
