August 24, 2014

Mustard Seed: August 21, 2014

TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY AUGUST 21, 2014.

MUSTARD SEED

DEFINITION:

A plant whose seed makes into a powder or paste.

SCRIPTURE:

Another parable He put forth to them saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Today we study the third parable that Jesus taught as recorded in Matthew 13. The mustard seed that Jesus referred to in this parable is the church in its very beginning that included Jesus and His disciples. Christ is describing the growth and greatness of His kingdom and of Christianity in this parable.

Jesus is showing how the Church began as the smallest of seeds and grows as a tree spreading out its roots and branches. On the day of Pentecost, after Jesus ascended into heaven, the small kingdom began its phenomenal expansion. Like the mustard seed it continued to grow, branching out into other nations of the world unknown.

God planted the seed, the Church, and His field is the world. The fowls of the air that lodged in the branches are probably the same as in the parable of the sower, and represent Satan and his demons. But some interpret the branches to be a place where many believers and non-believers found help and safety under its branches.

Again the mustard seed that Jesus refers to in this parable is the Church. Look at what happened in the development of the Church. Remember the Church referred to here is the body of believers that believe in Jesus, not a building. Christ launched the movement all by Himself. It began in the soul of one man, Jesus, a carpenter from the obscure village called Nazareth.

The message and work of the kingdom was carried forth by men without position and prestige. They were not mighty, noble, rich or famous. They were common folk. They began with very little faith but continued to grow under their teacher, the very Son of God. The body of believers numbered only about 120 people when Christ departed from this earth.

The bush, all believers who believe in Jesus throughout the world, has grown from small beginnings into the greatest of bushes. Not only did God grow His Kingdom through the early believers but God continues to grow His Kingdom through His faithful followers each and every day.

This parable is an encouragement to every believer that what we plant He will grow. It encourages us in our personal lives and ministries. It encourages us to look forward to our hope in eternity where we will be rewarded for our faithful labor. It should encourage us to reach out to the world around us and proclaim the good news of the gospel.

Jesus through this parable teaches us that just as the birds come to the mustard tree to nest in the safety of the branches, we are to come to Him to find safety in His outstretched arms reaching out to us to bring us into His Kingdom. We are to come to Him first and then live and walk with Him. Where do you stand? Are you a believer or a non-believer? He is waiting for you to come and become a child of God and a joint heir with Jesus in the Kingdom of God.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

PRAYER:

Thank You for this parable of the mustard seed. How grateful we are that You established Your church, a body of believers that can reach out to the world and share the good news of the gospel that You gave to us.


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