Little is Much

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Bread from the Great Sunberg Family Bake-Off. 


Scripture:


Luke 13:18   He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”


Luke 13:20   And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”


Observation:


After showing compassion, and healing a woman on the sabbath, Jesus immediately begins speaking about mustard seeds and yeast. With the “therefore” link, we see that acts of compassion can actually grow to have a significant impact. These are glimpses of the kingdom of God in action. 


The mustard seed is very tiny. Luke has it growing up into the size of a tree, when in reality it becomes a large bush, but the intent is understood. Just a tiny act can blossom into something of significance.


To reiterate Jesus used another story that the people would have understood regarding yeast. A little yeast was mixed into the flour to make bread and it would make the whole loaf rise.


While the Jewish people had been anticipating some kind of a dramatic event that might overturn their political world, God had something different in mind. Little events and life within the kingdom of God would permeate the hearts of God’s people, bringing about transformation and helping them reach the world. 


Application:


The people of Jesus’ day were anticipating something big, and in doing so, they failed to see the kingdom of God in the little events all around them. The kingdom of God continues to have breakthrough moments in our lives. When we participate in Jesus’ compassion in this world, we are actively engaged in kingdom activity. Our church may not be huge, or our results may seem small, but maybe we ought to step back a moment and look at a mustard seed and yeast. So tiny, and yet, the results are powerful. 


There is intentionality in planting mustard seeds and in using yeast. Those who plant or leaven their bread are working toward a particular result; either a bush or some bread. While the seed planting or the leavening may seem like small tasks, they are important for the end result. The permeation of the kingdom of God throughout the entire world is to happen, when we are intentionally engaged in the work. We do our little part, and then God does the rest. Show love and kindness to those who may be hard to love and then let God work on those seeds which you are planting. Little becomes much when God works in and through us for the sake of the kingdom. 


Prayer:


Lord, help me to plant your seeds every day. Amen. 

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