Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52
The parables of Jesus are unforgettable pictures. They are stories laden with truth. Some preachers tell stories which thrill those who hear them, and yet they are tales with no lesson. The parables of Jesus are homely and interesting, and yet they are vital with spiritual meaning.
The mustard seed is little, so small that one can scarcely see it. Yet it has life in it, and when it is sown in a field it grows and becomes a tree, so large that the birds come and nest in its branches. There would be no reason for our Lord’s telling us about this little seed and its plant merely as a bit of natural history. It is beautiful and interesting even in this way, but He had a further purpose in His parable. He uses it as an illustration of His kingdom in the world. “The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed.” Christianity began in a very small way. A little baby lay in a manger, sleeping its first sleep — that was the beginning of the kingdom of heaven in this world. A kingdom implies a king. Christ ruled over a very small kingdom that night. His mother loved Him as mothers always love their children, and He reigned in her heart. Some shepherds came in during the night and saw the Child-King and worshiped Him. Their lives were never the same again, for one who has had a vision of Christ can never lose the influence out of his heart. They returned to their lowly duty — keeping watch over the flock — but they were better shepherds afterwards and better men. The kingdom of heaven had entered their hearts.
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