A Little Goes a Long Way

Luke 13:18-21

Luke 13:18 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 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 about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough." (NIV)

The parable is Jesus using items known to the listeners to describe the kingdom of God. The mustard seed and yeast are examples. The mustard seed is a small round seed that ranges in color from pale yellow to black. The tiny seed can grow into a tree strong enough to hold birds. Yeast is in the class with the fungus kingdom. Baking bread with the use of yeast will produce softer bread. A small amount of yeast will produce large results.

Garland explains the short parable answers the pharisees' observation of Jesus' miracle on the Sabbath.[1] The mustard seed is small but becomes large. In the same way, yeast in a small amount can spoil the dough or make it good for many to enjoy. The kingdom of God is increasing in size. It was for the children of Abraham, but Jesus arrived to explain the kingdom of God is increasing to include all people.

What small action can you take today that will have an ongoing impact tomorrow? Kindness is contagious. What will you do today to be contagious? Hold a door, the elevator, offer help to someone struggling? The kingdom of God started with two individuals who were past childbearing and became so numerous that the Egyptians feared them. Can we also show acts of kindness that causes the kingdom of God to grow? The answer is yes.

Bibliography

Garland, David E. Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

[1] David E. Garland, Luke, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 570.