Mark 4:31-32
It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.
God loves the least ones. Scriptures are replete with little people and not just in body size but in society-ranking or self-esteem. The Old Testament is full of heroes who were "nobodys" but stepped up when called upon. Abraham, Esther, David, etc. In the New Testament, beginning with Mary and Joseph, we read about ordinary people who jumped into an extraordinary situation. Many of the disciples, the shepherds, Zacchaeus, Mary Magdalane, and many others all didn't amount to much but played significant roles in the history of salvation in their own right. Even Jesus said, "let the little ones come to me." So what does this have to do with mustard seeds?
Jesus used some of the smallest people and least items to make his point about the relationship between heaven and earth, and our relationship with God. Everyone knew that a mustard seed was tiny, so Jesus used this imagery as an example of how we can experience the kingdom of God on earth. Jesus wants us to take time to look at the little things. Even little things can bring great hope. The people that we blow off or we don't think much of because of their opinion, their financial means or their standing in the community doesn't measure up to our expectations….these people have great gifts and opportunities to do great things if given the right chance. Everyone has gifts and every life is precious. You have a mustard seed in your heart. So do I. We need to fertilize it with love, prayer and generosity and together we'll put forth large branches so that others can dwell in the shade that is God's Kingdom.
