The Year of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Matthew 13:31-32
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Read the commentaries, few agree as to the time and place of this parable. Do the birds lodge in the branches of this tree today? Yes. Will they lodge in the branches of that tree for all eternity? Yes. Of the timing and place no one can be sure. However, there is one thing that can be universally agreed upon concerning this parable. That is… the kingdom of heaven, in this natural world, is looked upon as the least. That is what Jesus said.
He likens the kingdom of heaven to a seed. The seed He chooses to use is the mustard seed, the least of all seeds. Not only is the mustard seed small, but it is also largely undesired. People plant seeds for tomato plants, corn, the mighty oak trees, beans, peppers, and all types of other fruit bearing plants. But when was the last time you heard someone say, “I’m going to plant some mustard seeds”? Or “Come look at my mustard garden.” Probably never, or if so, probably very seldom indeed. The mustard seed is not popular. In all your life have you ever observed a mustard contest at your county fair? Growers show off their watermelons, their grapes, their tomatoes, and other cash crops, but there are no mustard tastings, mustard cookoffs, or mustard blue ribbons. It is the least of all according to the Lord.
Likewise the kingdom of heaven is the least. Few desire it, few even understand it. Those who know not Christ or His Word even reject that there is such a kingdom. Sadly, many who are “Christian” know little, or nothing, about it. But it is there. Just like the mustard seed, the kingdom of heaven is real. It has a realm, a leadership structure, servants, royalty, soldiers, a monetary system, and everything else a kingdom requires.
It may be largely unheralded today, but one day. Wow, what a day that will be! It will be the greatest kingdom ever. For those who understand it, that day is today. For those who reject it…they will see. Yes, they will one day see its greatness.
Until Next Time,
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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