Lighthouse scribes

Matthew 13:31-33 NLT
[31] Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. [32] It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”  [33] Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

I’ve chosen to discuss these two parables together because I believe they share a related theme: the influence of the kingdom of God. In a sense, they illustrate that at its emergence, God’s kingdom doesn’t appear as a grand spectacle. However, because its nature is pervasive, it invariably acts as a force for change, a refuge for sinners, a home for the lost, and humanity’s ultimate influence for good. Consider Jesus: born in a manger in the most unexpected of cities. His beginnings seemed so humble that even his own family doubted his significance (they in no few words told our Lord, ‘if you really have it, go public). Yet, here we are 2000 years later, and his kingdom endures, because he is eternal.

These parables rightly convey that humans cannot manipulate the growth of the kingdom any more than a farmer controls the seed he plants or a woman controls the yeast in her dough. Both the seed and the yeast, by their inherent properties, will expand once introduced. Similarly, we carry out our task of planting the seed and then observe God’s work in its growth. It is God’s power at work.

The seed transforms into something substantial, while the yeast permeates the entire dough. The tree grows to shelter what was once foreign to it, and the yeast alters the very nature of what it is introduced to, its positive influence remains undeniable.

The gospel is a lifesaver, literally.

Just as a seed develops into a tree providing a home for many small creatures, the gospel that began with Jesus did not remain a message solely for the Jewish people. It brought us, who were previously lost in darkness, onto the path of truth, making us co-heirs with Christ.

The gospel will transform our lives.

Just as yeast breaks down every sugar molecule to release carbon dioxide and alcohol, ultimately causing the bread to rise, the Kingdom will similarly transform every believer, working through our souls until we are conformed to Christ’s likeness (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 2:5-8).

Q. If the gospel transforms our lives, how do you measure your life?

Love,

Osi