Matthew 13:31-33, The Mustard Seed and the Leaven

31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Comments

The mustard seed had an insignificant beginning and a glorious ending. Such will be the kingdom of God. These parables of growth focus on the paradox of insignificant or hidden beginnings that come to a triumphant climax. There was a natural impatience among Jesus’ disciples, and among us today, to see God’s kingdom in all of its glory and the eradication of those opposed to it. Jesus tells us that full growth is assured from the beginning, however unpromising or however opposed its development may be. The way of God is not ostentatious but humble and deliberate. When God is at work, nothing will thwart his glorious purposes.

Prayer

Lord, in your kingdom, grant me the patience to accept the people and things I cannot change, the courage to minister to others and change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

[Modified Serenity Prayer]