Mark 4:30-34 “Humble Beginnings, Astonishing Future”

Mark 4:30-34 (NIV from BIblegateway.com)

Suggested Praise Songs:

• How Great Is Our God – Chris Tomlin
• Running Back To You – Seph Schlueter
• Just Like You’ve Always Done – Mack Brock
• The Kingdom of Father I Long For – Isaiah6tyone (Korean Praise with Eng Sub)

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• The Parable of the Mustard Seed – Bible Story for Kids
• My God Is So Big (introducing Grayson the Elephant) – Song for Kids
• Fruit of the Spirit song – Song for Kids
• Power Shuffle Everest VBS Music Video Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Finally, Jesus asks, “What shall we compare the kingdom of God to? Or what parable shall we use to describe it?” (v. 30). The work of God through Jesus is not something we can see with our physical eyes. The material and the physical confine us, while God is Spirit. It is impossible for us to fully grasp the will of God, which is greater than the universe itself. For this reason, explaining the work of God is challenging. Thus, Jesus seeks a fitting parable to illustrate it.

Jesus uses the mustard seed to explain the kingdom of God. “Smaller than any seed on earth” (v. 31) does not mean it is the smallest seed in the world but rather the smallest among the seeds familiar to the people of Galilee at that time. A mustard plant typically grows to about 2 meters tall — more like a tree than a plant. The “birds of the air” (v. 32) represent Gentiles. Although God’s work through Jesus may seem insignificant now, it signifies that God’s grace will eventually extend to all nations of the world.

This parable recalls Ezekiel’s “parable of the cedar” (Ezekiel 17:22-24). In that parable, the Sovereign Lord speaks of taking a tender shoot from the top of a cedar and planting it on Mount Zion. That tender shoot will grow into a great tree, providing shelter for all kinds of birds to make their nests. It is clear that Jesus had this parable in mind when he spoke of the mustard seed. Therefore, the parable of the mustard seed also serves as a parable about Jesus himself. He is the one whom God has planted on Mount Zion to bring God’s grace to all nations of the world.

Verses 33 and 34 are Mark’s explanation. “He did not say anything to them without using a parable” (v. 34) is a form of rhetorical emphasis. It highlights that Jesus often used parables to explain the work of God. He would say to the crowds, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear,” inviting those who were ready to understand. Later, when Jesus was alone with his disciples, he would explain the meaning of the parables to them.

Meditation:

Today, we read the parable of the mustard seed in a world where the gospel of Jesus Christ has become a global faith, and people from all nations call upon His name. The mustard seed is so small that the faintest breeze could blow it away, but it grows into a large tree where all kinds of birds come to nest. When we read this, we might think, “That really did happen!” and it may not seem all that extraordinary to us now.

However, it becomes a different story when we imagine the perspective of those who first read the Gospel of Mark. At that time, Christianity was like a single, withered seed. In the Roman Empire, a melting pot of competing religions and philosophies, the gospel of Jesus was an unknown, fledgling movement. What might they have envisioned when they read the parable of the mustard seed? If someone had said to them, “The gospel of Jesus Christ may seem as insignificant as a mustard seed now, but the day will come when it spreads throughout the world, and people from every nation will call on His name,” how many would have believed such a claim?

When viewed this way, the parable of the mustard seed takes on a new significance. This short parable was a profound prophecy, which has been fulfilled exactly as spoken. This is how God works. Too often, we limit God with our thinking. We assume that what seems impossible to us cannot happen. Yet, if God wills it, there is nothing God cannot accomplish. Faith means opening ourselves fully to the unseen and quiet work of God among us and choosing to participate in the work God is doing.

Prayer:

The Lord’s work is truly marvelous and mysterious. God’s ways always surpass our expectations and defy our predictions. So, we pray. Lord, help us not to limit you. Open our hearts fully to the work you do among us and let us experience the wonder of your mysteries. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God’s work often starts small, like a tiny mustard seed, but it grows into something amazing and powerful that can bless everyone. We should trust in God’s plans, even when we can’t see how they will unfold, and open our hearts to God’s guidance.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Why do you think Jesus compared God’s kingdom to a mustard seed? What does that teach us about God?
  • What small ways can you help share God’s love with others around you?
• For Middle School
  • Why do you think God’s work sometimes starts small instead of big and obvious?
  • How can we open our hearts to let God work through us, even in small ways?
• For High School
  • In a busy place like Northern Virginia, where everyone seems to focus on big achievements, how can we appreciate small beginnings and trust in God’s work?
  • How can you use your unique talents or experiences to share God’s love and grow God’s kingdom in your school, community, or even online?