The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast - Luke 13 18-21 Sermon

Summary

In this online sermon, Andrew Gill from St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church explores why Christianity may seem small or ineffective in the world. He reflects on two parables from Luke's Gospel, comparing God's kingdom to a mustard seed and yeast—small, yet with the potential for significant, surprising growth. Gill emphasizes that while beginnings may seem humble, God's kingdom grows subtly but powerfully, transforming lives and societies. He encourages believers not to be discouraged by small starts and reminds them that even small acts of obedience and service contribute to God's grand plan.

Takeaways

• 😀 Christianity can sometimes feel small or weak, but God's kingdom grows steadily and powerfully.
• 🙏 Despite humble beginnings, the kingdom of God grows continually, often in unseen or subtle ways.
• 🌱 The parable of the mustard seed emphasizes that while the kingdom starts small, it will grow into something great.
• 🏡 Jesus' kingdom welcomes and embraces all people, providing safety, security, and a sense of home.
• 🔍 Humble beginnings do not indicate weakness; even with just 12 followers, Jesus' kingdom was destined for amazing growth.
• 🍞 The parable of yeast illustrates how small, seemingly insignificant efforts can transform society and create large impacts.
• ⛪ After the resurrection, the church began with only a few disciples but quickly grew to thousands through faithful witness.
• 🌍 The church continues to grow globally, and its impact extends across nations, influencing the future of the world.
• 🙌 The ultimate destiny of history is Jesus being worshipped as King by a multitude of people from every nation and language.
• 💡 Small acts of faith, service, and prayer, even if they seem insignificant, can contribute to God's grand plan and transformation of the world.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon?

The main theme of the sermon is how the Kingdom of God, despite its small beginnings, grows into something great and transformational, both in the world and within individuals.

Why does the speaker compare Christianity to having a small impact in the world?

The speaker suggests that Christianity can sometimes seem small or insignificant because it feels like the outside world doesn't care about what Christians believe, and individuals may struggle to see God’s work in their lives. This feeling can lead to discouragement.

What do the two parables in Luke 13 teach about the Kingdom of God?

The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast teach that the Kingdom of God starts small but grows continuously into something great and transformative. Its growth may be subtle or unseen, but it will eventually impact everything.

How does the mustard seed represent the Kingdom of God?

The mustard seed represents the Kingdom of God because, although it starts off as something small, it grows into something unexpectedly large, like a tree where birds can nest, symbolizing the nations being welcomed into God's kingdom.

What is the significance of the parable of the yeast in the sermon?

The parable of the yeast illustrates how the Kingdom of God works subtly, even invisibly, but its influence spreads throughout the world and transforms it, just like yeast works through dough to make it rise.

How does the speaker use historical examples to reinforce the message?

The speaker compares Jesus' humble beginnings with historical figures like Alexander the Great and corporations like Amazon and Apple, showing how something that starts small can grow into something powerful and world-changing.

What message does the speaker give to those feeling discouraged by small beginnings?

The speaker encourages listeners not to be discouraged by small beginnings, emphasizing that God often starts with humble origins to accomplish great things. Just like the early church began with 11 people, it grew into a global movement.

How does the speaker use the example of the early church to illustrate the growth of God's kingdom?

The speaker highlights how the early church, which started with 11 people, grew rapidly through the Holy Spirit, spreading throughout the Roman Empire and eventually influencing the entire world, showing the power of God's kingdom to grow from humble beginnings.

What does Revelation 7:9-10 add to the sermon’s message?

Revelation 7:9-10 depicts a vision of a multitude from every nation worshipping Jesus as King, illustrating the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom and reinforcing the idea that it will grow to include people from all over the world.

What is the speaker’s final encouragement to the audience?

The speaker encourages the audience not to let smallness stop them from serving God, reminding them that no act of kindness, service, or prayer is too small if done in obedience to God, because from small beginnings, great things can grow.