Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?
To answer His own question, Jesus gives two illustrations.
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.
Here the Teacher compares God’s work on earth – His Kingdom – with a small seed that grows into a large tree. The Kingdom of God on earth will grow and increase.
Jesus knows what He is beginning in His life will not fail. From a few faithful followers, the Kingdom of God will enlarge to millions of citizens and fill the whole earth.
Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like
yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough”.
Here the emphasis is on the unseen nature of how the Kingdom will work in people’s hearts. It will spread as baker’s yeast works to transform dough.
Isn’t this the experience of every student of the Teacher? Along with the working of the Holy Spirit, together with the Teacher our hearts are changed to be more like His.
Like yeast, the process is gradual. It takes time. But in the end the change is unmistakable.
A growing, ever-enlarging Kingdom of God! Slowly changing everything in us!
What is a bush to a bird?
ReplyDeleteA place of rest.
A place of shelter.
A source of food (seeds of bush, bugs underneath)
Possibly a home - big enough for a nest.
A place of protection from enemies.
This is a stark contrast to what the Teachers of the law and how the rulers of the temple and synagogues used God's Law to bind up heavy loads on men.
The Kingdom will grow, because it provides rest and comfort for our souls.
How might we be binding our traditions and stealing that rest from peopel who need it so desperately?