Even the smallest beginnings, when guided by God's hand, can lead to extraordinary results, as illustrated by the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast in Matthew 13:31-33.
Good morning, family. I hope you brought your Bibles, 'cause today we're diving deep into the book of Matthew, chapter 13. We're going to learn about some mustard seeds, yeast, and a whole lot of God's love and power.
You might be thinking, "What's so special about a mustard seed or a bit of yeast?"
But let me remind you what Ken Hutcherson once said, "When you're in the pits, all the faith in the world won't get you out of it. But just a little faith in God will get you through it."
Now, let's get right into it.
Matthew 13:31-33 says, "He told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.' He told them still another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.'"
Let's pray, shall we?
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom of Your words. We ask for Your guidance as we delve into Your teachings today. Help us understand the significance of small beginnings, Your secret workings, and the extraordinary results that follow. May we always remember that even the smallest seed, when planted in faith, can grow into something miraculous in Your hands. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Alright, let's get to it!
The mustard seed, as described in the scripture, is the smallest of all seeds. Yet, when it is planted and nurtured, it grows into one of the largest garden plants, even becoming a tree where birds can perch. This parable is a metaphor for how the kingdom of heaven operates, and it also provides us with a profound lesson about our faith and our lives.
Equating greatness with size and power: We admire the big, the bold, and the grand. We are often led to believe that if something is small, it is insignificant or powerless. However, the parable of the mustard seed challenges this perspective. It tells us that something small, when planted and nurtured, can grow into something much larger and more significant than its humble beginnings would suggest. This is the power of small beginnings.
Represents each of us and our faith: Our faith may start as small as a mustard seed, but it has the potential to grow into something much larger and more significant. It can grow into a strong, unwavering belief that influences every aspect of our lives and impacts those around us. It can become a source of comfort and strength, a beacon of hope, and a testament to God's love and power.
About more than our faith: It also applies to our actions, our dreams, and our aspirations. Every great achievement starts with a small step. Every significant change begins with a single decision. Every powerful movement starts with a single idea. It is the small beginnings, the first steps, that set the stage for something much larger and more significant.
The importance of patience and perseverance: Just like a seed, our faith, our dreams, and our aspirations need time to grow. They need to be nurtured and cared for. They need to be watered with prayer, fertilized with the Word of God, and exposed to the light of His love. And just like a seed, they may not show any visible signs of growth for a while. But that doesn't mean that nothing is happening. Beneath the surface, roots are forming, and life is taking shape.
A testament to God's love and power: It is a reminder that He can take something small and seemingly insignificant and turn it into something great. It is a reminder that He can use us, with our small faith and our humble beginnings, to do extraordinary things for His kingdom.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about your own (or someone you know) small beginnings and how it led you to where you are now.
God's secret workings reminds us that God is always at work, even when we cannot see or understand His plans ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO