I do so love the heart of God. He is so kind and patient with us. This can be distinctly seen in the way that Jesus interacts with people.
MARK 4:30-34
New Living Translation (NLT)
PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED
30 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? 31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, 32 but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. 34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.
Let’s watch our precious Jesus as He interacts with a crowd and with His own disciples.
30 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God?
What story should I use to illustrate it? 31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground.
Look how eager our precious Lord is for people to know and understand who God is and what His Kingdom is all about. See how He uses the simplest of illustrations to demonstrate the purity and simplicity of God’s Good News to the world. In the earlier days of the church, the churches were filled with stained glass windows and paintings, depicting the story of Christ and His love for all mankind. This is how I first came to know Him, through looking at the stained glass windows, the stations of the cross, the paintings. As an artist, I so appreciate this about God. The world declares His love and beauty, and artists capture it in photos on canvas, and in beautiful sculptures and stained glass.
31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, 32 but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
Many of us are visual learners, many people through the ages were of little or no education. Jesus took this all into account as he shared truths through pictures, parables, stories. We can easily visualize a small seed and the wonder of watching it grow into a marvelous plant with flowers and fruits. This is Jesus’ view of the Kingdom of God.
33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. 34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.
Jesus desires for us to know and understand all that He teaches. But we have to make the choice to go deeper. We choose whether we live on crumbs, or feast with Him at the table of His Word. He is willing and able for us to know all things that He desires to show us, as much as we can understand. But we need to get alone with Him in His Word and listen carefully, quietly, expectantly as He explains all things to us.
Holy Spirit, open your Word to our hearts today, and our hearts to Your Word.
Amen and Amen
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