IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

A Mustard Seed and Yeast

Date: Jul. 22, 2015

Passage

Matthew 13:31-35 

The Mustard Seed and the Leaven

31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Prophecy and Parables

34 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet:

  “I will open my mouth in parables;
    I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.”

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Matthew 13:32

It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

First, the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed (31-32). Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed that has been planted in a field. A mustard seed starts very small. Yet the seed grows and becomes the largest of garden plants, a tree in which birds can perch and rest in its branches. Likewise, the kingdom of heaven started small and looked insignificant. But Christ's kingdom continues to grow and will rise above all other kingdoms. Repentant sinners find refuge in Christ's kingdom.

Second, the kingdom of heaven is like yeast (33-34). Only a small amount of yeast is needed when mixed into a large batch of dough. The yeast is virtually invisible in the dough. But its effects are very visible. In the same way, the kingdom of heaven may not always be visible but its influence is always great. Jesus used parables to reveal the characteristics of the kingdom of heaven.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your kingdom which is ever-growing and influential. May your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

One Word: The kingdom of heaven is growing

Daily Bread

God is Our Deliverer

Psalm 78:40-72

Key Verse: 78:65

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
like a strong man shouting because of wine.

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