In our study through Mark, we examined the parable of the mustard seed and learned that not only is the Kingdom growing (vv 26-29) but it will grow beyond all expectation!

It is like a mustard seed in that its beginning seemed so small and insignificant. Jesus was born in a little-known place, in an animal shelter, in an animal trough, wrapped in scrap cloths! Not quite what one would imagine as the beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth! During his ministry he was homeless, rejected, hated, opposed, and killed! Not quite what one would imagine as the beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth. In his death, he was crucified, no one outside of Jerusalem even had a thought that the Son of God was dying, his disciples fled, one denied him, and one betrayed him! Not quite what one imagine for the beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth!

It is just like the mustard seed in that it was sown. Just as the mustard seed must be planted, so was the Kingdom in the Son! Jesus was buried, and the totally unexpected happened! He arose!

It is just like the mustard seed in that after being sown it will outgrow all other Kingdoms! The Kingdom of God exploded on the earth at Pentecost and continues to grow daily! The Kingdom grows even under persecution. The Kingdom grows through missions. The Kingdom will continue to grow until every tongue and every nation will sing of the salvation of God in Christ! (Psalm 67).