[Jesus] 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. 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.”

Matthew 13:31-32 (ESV)

 

When Jesus compares the Kingdom to the size of a mustard seed, He wants us to understand that its splendour and power are far more than we can comprehend or imagine.

A mustard seed is small, yet it can grow into a massive mustard tree with many branches and fruits. In other words, we should not underestimate the capacity of God's Kingdom to grow and thrive. As Jesus predicted, His Kingdom has expanded over time to the ends of the earth from its humble beginnings in Palestine. Today there are around 2.4 billion Christians globally, making Christianity the world's largest religion. The Kingdom, however, is more than just numbers and people. It reveals God's rightful reign over all His creation and human history in accordance with His eternal will.

When we speak of the Kingdom, we are not referring to the creation of an earthly utopia or the establishment of a theocratic state. It will one day culminate in the second coming of Jesus and become a messianic kingdom on earth. In its present form, the Kingdom is spiritual rather than physical, and as it spreads like the branches of a mustard tree, it provides spiritual shelter and nourishment to everyone who seeks it.

The parable of the mustard seed describes how God's Kingdom manifests itself in each of our lives. You may not notice any difference at first, but the Spirit is constantly at work to transform you from the inside out. Just as a mustard seed grows into a tree with branches where birds can perch, the Holy Spirit will enlarge your capacity for fruitful service and witness.

Don't get too caught up in making your ministry spectacular that you overlook the supernatural.

Obey God's calling on your life, no matter how small or trivial it may seem. It may not begin with doing great things, but if you keep doing small things well, they may have a greater impact than you realise. A word of encouragement or a simple act of kindness can change how people perceive the gospel and its power at work in and through you.

A healthy kingdom life begins with developing positive kingdom habits — because these habits serve as a catalyst for overall Kingdom growth and expansion.