We are at the last of the 4 kingdom parables in the gospel of Mark. Each one of these parables is meant not only to inform us as to how the kingdom of God grows here on earth, but also to encourage us as we labor in the spread of this kingdom.
The parable we will be looking at this Sunday, God willing, likens the kingdom of God to a mustard seed. Though it is among the smallest of the seeds, yet it grows to be a great plant, where birds nest in its shade. This shows the humble beginnings of the kingdom of God: a poor humble Son of Man from the small town of Nazareth, who dies in weakness, the shameful death of the cross. He leaves behind a small group of disheartened followers, but on the third day, He bursts out from the tomb. He ascends to heaven to a place of power and authority and sends down His Holy Spirit upon His disciples. They in turn take the message of the kingdom to the ends of the earth. And like the mustard plant, the kingdom grows exponentially, and people from across the Roman Empire come to find refuge in Jesus of Nazareth.
As you read this portion, consider the following questions:
- How does the parable of the mustard seed (vv.30-32) encourage you to persevere in your gospel efforts, no matter how small they may be?
- How does the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ to the right hand of the Father on high, guarantee the building up of God’s eternal kingdom? (cf. Col 2:15; John 6:37; 1 Cor 15:24)
- Verse 34 tells us that Jesus privately explained all of these parables to His disciples. How do we today have an advantage over the disciples? (cf. 1 Cor 2:12-13)
May the risen and exalted Christ be magnified in our hearts this Sunday.