Mark 4:30-34

Rachel Workman: ³⁰ Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. ³² Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

³³ With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. ³⁴ He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Sometimes it's the smallest things that we do in Christ that make the most impact. Often times we'll never even know what they are. It's easy to become discouraged. We need to keep in mind we are just a small piece of the puzzle. But, we're a very important piece.

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Mike Grimm:  ³⁰ Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. While a mustard seed is not the smallest seed in the world, it was the smallest of seeds used by the farmers of that region and perfectly illustrated the growth potential within the kingdom of heaven. ³² Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” Jesus used this parable to explain that although Christianity had very small beginnings, it would grow into a worldwide community of believers. When we feel alone in our stand for Christ we must realize that God is building a worldwide kingdom. He has faithful followers in every part of the world, and our faith, no matter how small, can join with that of others to accomplish great things.

³³ With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. ³⁴ He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. Jesus didn’t speak in parables to confuse people, but to challenge sincere seekers to discover the meaning of his words. Much of Jesus’ teaching was against hypocrisy and impure motives—characteristics of the religious leaders. Had Jesus spoken against the leaders directly, his public ministry would have been hampered. Those who listened carefully to Jesus knew exactly what he was talking about.

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Monday's reading for Mark 4:35-41

³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”