The parable of the mustard seed builds on the previous parables about the Kingdom of God in Matthew’s Gospel. The mustard seed is named as the smallest of all seeds which grows into the largest of all shrubs–so large, the birds of the air come and make their nests in its branches. Interestingly, the mustard shrub would have been considered a weed in Jesus’ day. The parable builds on other “negatives” from Jesus’ times teaching us that God’s Kingdom is different from the Kingdoms of the world and sometimes we must sow small, subversive acts of justice, kindness, peace and sharing to counter them. Sometimes the hurt and brokenness of the world seem so great…the parable reminds us of the importance and power of our small actions performed in great faith. 

Today’s message is based on Matthew 13:31-32.

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