Jesus uses the smallest of beginnings (mustard seed and yeast) to describe big outcomes.
Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” Matthew 13:31-33 NLT

Reflection

The Mustard Seed
I grew up next to a farm that grew seed crops. One of those seed crops was mustard. From a small seed, a large bush grew with beautiful yellow flowers, covering acres of cropland along the river. The structure of the bush makes it a great place for birds to build nests providing a combination of shelter, rest, nutrition, and easy access to come and go (as birds do).

There is an irony in this illustration in the day Jesus spoke it, the Mustard Bush was considered an invasive species that could take over a vast area quickly once it got started. It was more in the class of weeds and was considered troublesome.

It seems like such a small beginning: the Son of Man, a few disciples, and then it takes off. Many do consider Jesus an “invasive species.” Who is this man? Who sent him? From Nazareth, really? The Son of God? Who gave him his authority? Jesus was seen as a threat and plans to take his life emerged early.

He comes offering a new way of living that provides refuge, rest, nutrition, and easy access to be restored to God and live as a blessing to others. His teaching, healing, casting out demons, and raising people from the dead back all of this up.
People are being drawn to the Kingdom of God, following him everywhere he goes.

Something small becomes significant and life-giving for all who come. This is the way of Jesus, the way of the Kingdom of God.

Yeast
Who doesn’t love hot, fresh-baked yeast bread? This smallest of ingredients is key to yeast bread recipes. Such a small amount can do so much.
Again, there is irony in what Jesus said: Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough. Three measures of flour are approximately 50-65 pounds. It would be the equivalent of about 52 loaves of bread today. The idea of one-woman hand-kneading 50-65 pounds of flour with a little bit of yeast to make 52 loaves of bread all by herself. That is a lot of work and effort in preparation for a large gathering of people to share relationships over life-giving food.

The Kingdom of Heaven has come near. Jesus is here. Anyone and everyone who receives the “yeast of life” he offers will be changed forever for the better. Something small becomes significant and life-giving for all who come. This is the way of Jesus, the way of the Kingdom of God.

Encouragement

As we follow Jesus together may I offer a little encouragement to you? Consider this:
As you follow Christ, your life has the effect of the mustard seed or yeast on those around you. Be it a place to gather (the mustard bush) or a transforming quality among others (the yeast), your life is part of the Kingdom of Heaven, drawing near and growing in this world. Some may perceive our lives in Christ as an invasive threat (Mustard Seed). That’s ok. It is quite the opposite. The people of Jesus are good to draw close to. We have the opportunity to invite people to meet the one who started all of this, Jesus Christ.

Some may perceive the effort as too much work (kneading so little into so much). Don’t grow weary in the work. Your permeating presence in this world as a follower of Christ will draw so many to the Kingdom of Heaven.

More Encouragement

In January of 2023, Warm Beach Camp Ministries formally responded to an invitation of God to connect 1 million people with Christ by partnering with leaders and engaging the communities we serve with transformational experiences. In faith, we are hoping to see this fully realized in 2030. It would be easy to say, “Who are we to attempt such a thing?”

What began as something small, God is using to draw people to him. He is inviting and asking for our obedience and participation. It is a lot of good hard work. With everyone doing their part, God will bring this to be.

Always remember: Something small becomes something significant and life-giving for all who come. This is the way of Jesus. This is the way of the Kingdom of God. Everyone’s invited by the one and only Jesus Christ, the living Son of God.

Ed McDowell, C.E.O.
Warm Beach Camp Ministries