As we continue looking at the description of the Kingdom of Heaven as it exists through believers in this life, Jesus gave two of the shortest parables in all his teaching. Although they are small, they are huge in meaning. They are found in three of the four Gospels. I am going to present them entirely here from Luke 13:18-21, Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches.” 20 Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
In Matthew 13, Jesus uses the illustration of the small size of the mustard seed to teach that a little faith goes a long way. This is repeated in other passages. However, the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast have a different purpose. In these, Jesus is showing us the importance of the influence a man of strong moral convictions can have in this world. Although tiny, a mustard seed grows into a large plant that all can see and use. In the same way, a small amount of yeast, when worked throughout the entire batch of dough will make the loaf rise and be ready to bake.
Jesus does not choose to publicly explain these parables, but their meaning is not difficult to discern. When we choose to live out our Christianity openly and aggressively in this world, we can make a huge difference. Remember how Jesus begins most of his parables. He is using these stories to illustrate how true Christ followers can show the Kingdom of God to this lost world. Here, he is refining the truth down to its basic formula. Choosing to consistently represent Christ through our daily thoughts, actions, and attitudes can make a huge impact on this world.
We have seen this played out in the national arena. One man chose to kneel in the middle of a football field after coaching his high school football team’s game. This aggravated those who try to rid God from public view. God took their animosity and turned it into a testimony to the world of his grace. Because they fought so hard against this simple expression of his relationship with our Lord, it got to the Supreme Court where the entire nation could become aware.
That may not be the avenue available to you, but there are other powerful ways to influence our world with Godly choices. Some we have discussed previously. Be that employee that gives 100% when others are slacking, even if you don’t feel you are receiving a fair wage. Show grace and acceptance when others are gossiping about someone. Go the extra mile to give time and energy to those who are in need. The list is only limited by your willingness to pursue God’s direction for your life.
You may never know the major impact your choices have on this world. What seems like a small and insignificant act on your part; that small seed or the tiny amount of yeast, may be used by God to change one person whose life impacts another and another until the Kingdom of God has an increase.
Your seed may grow into an eternity changing tree for many people. The results may only be seen in eternity. You provide the seed and leave the increase to God’s power.