Matthew 13:31-35 The Passion Translation
Then Jesus taught them another parable:
“Heaven’s kingdom realm can be compared to the tiny mustard seed that a man takes and plants in his field. 32 Although the smallest of all the seeds, it eventually grows into the greatest of garden plants, becoming a tree for birds to come and build their nests in its branches.”
33 Then he taught them another parable:“Heaven’s kingdom realm can be compared to yeast that a woman takes and blends into three measures of flour and then
waits until all the dough rises.”[c]34 Whenever Jesus addressed the crowds, he always spoke in allegories. He never spoke without using parables. 35 He did
this in order to fulfill the prophecy:
I will speak to you in allegories. I will reveal secrets that have been concealed since before the foundation of the world.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE A MUSTARD SEED.
Jesus describes his Kingdom as a mustard seed that keeps growing until it can hold and have room for all kinds of birds to build their nests and feel welcome in its branches.
The Kingdom grows into a big beautiful tree… from a tiny seed… and all kinds of birds are welcome in it.
The tree of the Mustard Seed is big enough for everyone! Who are the people who are not feeling welcome in the Kingdom or in the Church right now? Pray for those who are feeling excluded from the Kingdom and ask Jesus how you can help make them feel welcome.
What things keep you from planting that mustard seed and believing in the growth of that tree? Talk to Jesus about this.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE MUSTARD
You might not know much about mustard seeds, or you may not have them in your cupboard, but I’ll bet you have some mustard in your fridge waiting for your next sandwich, burger or hotdog. At least in a fridge here in America that’s likely to be true!
Most mustard is made from three kinds of seeds, yellow, black and brown or a mixture of these seeds… so even mustard the condiment reflects the diversity or the kingdom.
And besides representing God’s Kingdom, Jesus says that the mustard seed also reflects the size of our faith.
Luke 17:5-7 New International Version
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE MUSTARD
Consider Mustard… a condiment that adds flavor to a favorite sandwich.
There are all kinds of mustard… spicy, plain, organic, honey mustard, whole grain mustard, store brand and gourmet. What is your favorite flavor? Taste some mustard this week, (now would be good). Notice its flavor and spice.
What flavor of mustard represents your faith today?
Is your faith like spicy brown mustard with some kick, or is it feeling plain like a store brand? 
Is your faith feeling organic, or full of preservatives, or vibrant like Grey Poupon? 
Are you coming on strong or feeling too mild? Talk to Jesus about this!
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE MUSTARD
It needs spreading around! And that requires us to take action and bring the flavor of Jesus to our world!
What kind of Kingdom flavor would you like to bring to your friends, neighborhood, city or to the world?
One idea is to be plain and easy to understand like yellow mustard, Yellow Mustard is welcome on a weekday sandwich or a backyard bbq burger. It doesn’t try too hard. It’s just there being real. Consider the flavor of the Kingdom you are sharing in the world.
Are you bringing something Organic rather than Traditional? Talk to Jesus about this!
How would you like to spread more of the Kingdom of God to your neighbors and friends even in the middle of a pandemic?
What would this look like?
How are you feeling about the Kingdom of God today? Are you feeling like spreading it around, or are you feeling empty in need of a refill, or even an entirely new bottle of Mustard? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your and help you share God’s love and hope to your family and friends, neighbors and coworkers. 
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE MUSTARD… adding flavor and being spread around…
What flavor are you bringing to the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God is growing wherever you are, wherever you go. You are bringing the flavor of Jesus, something good, loving, and compassionate. Consider your impact.
As you spread your mustard on your sandwiches or add it to your salad dressing or sauce, ask JESUS how he can help you bring the flavor of the Kingdom this week.
©lillylewin and freeerangeworship.com
1 comment
I think that what Jesus meant is like a mustard seed contains the blueprint for it to follow what He meant for it to do.
So, He means for us to learn our calling: blueprint. So, that when things happen to try to keep us from doing what we need to do we can tell it to leave.