Dear Family at Christ Community,

This Sunday we will listen to Jesus’s parable of the growing seed and parable of the mustard seed. R. T. France helps us behold the hope revealed in these two little parables:

The two parables of vv. 26-32 thus both warn against underestimating the significance of the proclamation of the kingdom of God, however unimpressive its initial impact may seem. What has begun in the Galilean ministry of Jesus will, by the power of God, one day prove to be of ultimate significance. If for the time being its power is hidden, it is not for that reason any less certain, and its growth will be spectacular (The Gospel of Mark, 217).

When you consider the icons and imagery of the great nations and movements of the world, Jesus’s choice of tiny seeds as an image for the Kingdom of God seems laughably insignificant. And yet that is precisely the point. The Kingdom of God will not come through the ways and wisdom of this world. The Kingdom of God comes by the power of His Word and will certainly accomplish the surprising purposes of His redemptive plan to make all things new in Christ.

We get to taste and see this wondrous mystery every time we come to the Lord’s Table. As you prepare to come to the Table, ask the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to see the surprising ways Jesus is growing His Kingdom through His Word. Bring your fears and concerns to Jesus, asking Him to nourish your faith through the bread and cup. Lastly, praise the Father for sending His Son to bring His Kingdom into this world through surprising humility and certain love for us, His people.

Yours in union with Christ,
Matt