Mark 4:30-34 – The impact of the Kingdom

Here is the final of the three parables about seed. In this parable of the mustard seed, the Lord began by asking the question, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God or by what parable shall we present it?" From the question we get the hint that the parable He was about to tell would be depict the Kingdom of God." He said, "It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is the smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms larger branches so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR CAN NEST UNDER ITS SHADE." 

A mustard seed is a very tiny seed, as small as a full-stop we see at the end of this sentence, but it has huge impact when planted. In saying that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, the Lord was emphasizing the contrast. His focus was not on the seed per se but the effect and impact of what that tiny seed would have. The Kingdom of God may have a small and insignificant beginning when sown. But given time it will grow into a huge and significant movement, larger than any in existence. And like a large tree with branches that provide shelters for birds, it will be a place that provide hope and security for many who come to it for shelter.

It’s astounding just to compare the beginning of the Kingdom from the time the Lord first came to proclaim, and what we see now in the church world. In this Kingdom, the church is God’s occupational force here on earth. Think of the amazing impact the Kingdom of God has made since it first broke into the world. Yet we have barely scratched the surface of the impact of what God’s sovereign action can do. Wait till we encounter the eventual and ultimate glory of this Kingdom and we will find it beyond description.   

Verses 33-34 conclude the Lord’s grouping of parables on seed. Here Mark revealed that Jesus had taught many things about the Kingdom of God through parables. But in Mark these were chosen and adapted to enable the listeners to understand. We are told that privately, the Lord would explain the meaning of the parables to His disciples. 

From the series of parables on the seed, we learn that we must listen to His word with a heart that’s ready and receptive. Then we must embrace the word confidently with a trusting heart because His unseen forces are at work in hearts that are receptive. And then we must also receive His word expectantly because the effect of it will definitely be felt. It may appear insignificant at first but the huge impact will ultimately be experienced. So let’s hear the word of God receptively, trustingly and expectantly!