Little stories. Illustrations. Vignettes. All intended to crack the door to just a little more understanding.
Jesus offered a lot of these kinds of openings. He still does. Look to see what kind of new light might brighten your understanding just now.
He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."
Mark 4:30-32
Ever since I was a kid, I have watched my dad work in his little garden. Some years we would have fresh vegetables to eat, and some years we wouldn’t. On the fruitful years, Dad would have enough to give away to family and neighbors. As a kid, I was always amazed at the hard work it took to have a garden. I never fully understood how a small seed could grow into something that ended up on my dinner plate.
In today’s parable, Jesus is talking about how a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, grows into the largest of shrubs, so large that even birds are able to make a home in it.
We can compare ourselves to the mustard seed. We are small, but when given care and love from God, we grow into more than we ever thought we could. With God’s help, we are able to hold others up.
Sarah Briggs
God, I know that I am small. With your love, help me to grow so that I might come to know you more, and share you with others. Amen.
Go now with your eyes watching,
Watching for the unfolding of God's words,
Words that give light,
Words that bring understanding
To even the most simpleminded.
Inspired by Psalm 119:130