Jam and Bread, Spread it!

He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” And again, he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”

What Power?

A legion of demons had possessed the man at Gerasa for such a long time. His clothes were shredded and torn. He was bound in chains, but the strength of the demons allowed him to break the chain. The demons in the man demonstrated their power, which was known to the local people, and the power was strong. However, in an instant, Christ overcame the legion’s power, not one but a legion of demons, casting them into a herd of pigs where they met their destruction.

Mustard!

Jesus used the mustard plant as an example. It starts small, then grows to immense proportions. Christ is using this as an example of the kingdom. The kingdom starts out small and then continually grows. If you think about it, the kingdom of God started out very small. While many were baptized by John the Baptist, only twelve apostles were chosen by Christ, to whom He revealed the kingdom. It was hardly perceived. Much like the mustard plant, it began to grow through the ministry of Christ. That small band of men and women helped start a movement that became the worldwide church based on faith in Christ. Like two thousand years ago, people are still willing to die for it. Like the branches of the mustard plant, the church protects those who have faith in Christ, much like the branches of the tree protect the birds and animals.

Be the Bread.

Jesus also used the parable of the unleavened bread, leavened with yeast. As the yeast mixes through the dough, it spreads, leaving the unleavened bread leavened. Like the yeast, the Word of God was started in a small middle eastern town. As the Word spread, mixed in different cultures, people, and countries, it continued until it reached worldwide.

The Word of the Lord cannot be contained, much like our God cannot be contained. God is omnipresent; he is everywhere, the word of God has spread, and it is everywhere. No matter the cost, abandonment, betrayal, persecution, or execution, the word of God continues to spread. Isaiah wrote in 60:1-3 “rise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. John also wrote under inspiration in Revelation 7:9-10, “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”It has taken 2000 years for us to reach our place and growth in the church. No matter the time we have left in our personal lives or until the second coming of Christ, it will continue to grow.

Time to Harvest

Jesus said, “Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” (John 4:35 ESV). I say to you, look around you; despite the depravity, people still seek God. Be there for those who do not yet know him; testify to his greatness in your life and the gift of eternal life found in Christ. You may be one small piece of yeast in the world’s flour, but you can spread quickly. Spread the Gospel, like a spoonful of jam on bread; spread it one person at a time, and watch the church grow.

Grace and Mercy