Morning Message: June 11

As we conclude our school year, we hear the Gospel parable of the mustard seed.  Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed, which can grow into a large shrub.  This parable explains the strength of God’s power.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

Jesus also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it?  It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

Think about this silently in your heart.  What does this parable tell you about the Kingdom of God?

Have you ever seen a mustard seed?  They are the smallest seeds I have ever seen. A mustard seed is so small that if you were holding one in your hand and dropped it on the ground, you might not be able to find it.  Even though the mustard seed is one of the smallest of all seeds, when it is planted in the ground, it grows into a plant so large that birds can perch on its branches and can even build their nests in it.  I have read that these tiny seeds can produce a plant that grows ten feet high or more!

Jesus told a parable comparing the mustard seed to the kingdom of God.  Jesus said, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God?  What story should I use to illustrate it?  It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground.  It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade."

How is that a picture of the kingdom of God?  Well, when Jesus first began his earthly ministry, he had no followers.  The Bible tells us that Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee when he saw two fishermen, Peter and his brother Andrew, casting their nets. "Come, follow me," Jesus said to them.  They immediately followed Jesus.  As they continued on their way, they saw two other brothers, James and John, mending their nets.  Jesus called them and they immediately left their nets and followed him.  One by one, Jesus called his disciples until there were twelve of them.  That is still a pretty small beginning, isn't it?  Jesus sent out the twelve and they brought others to Jesus and the kingdom of God grew.  From a very small beginning, the kingdom of God has grown and grown until it has spread over the entire earth.

Jesus started growing the kingdom of God with a handful of disciples. Every follower of Jesus is a part of the kingdom and that means that you and I are a part of God's kingdom. Each time we tell someone about Jesus, we are helping to grow the kingdom. Isn't it great to know that we can have a part in growing God's kingdom?

Almighty and holy God, we thank you for all of the ways that Jesus reveals your Kingdom.  Help us to remember that we are not too young or too small to do our part to bring about your Kingdom on earth.  We ask this in the name of Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Boys and girls, our school year is drawing to a close, and we can see in ourselves so much growth!  With each passing day, God worked through each person to make a new creation.  Together, let us thank our Creator for the many blessed memories we’ve shared in our time together.

God of all creation, we are blessed to be with one another in this time and place.  We are excited to start our break, yet we may feel sad as we think about friends we may not see for a while.  In these times of change, help us to stay connected with you, Lord, for you desire happiness and peace for all your brothers and sisters. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.