The Teaching of Jesus in Parables Lesson 4: The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Mustard Seeds and Yeast Mat 13:31 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Mat 13:32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

Mustard Seeds and Yeast Mat 13:33 He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."

Same or Similar In what ways are the parable of the grain of mustard-seed, v. 31, 32 and the leaven are similar? In the beginning the effect of the gospel would be small in comparison to its later effect and increase.

The Mustard Seed Gods Kingdom Among Us How does the parable of the mustard seed illustrate the Kingdom of God amongst us? It is the Gospel (Good News) Church Its effect would be small to begin with time would impact all of society and the institutions of society throughout history

The Yeast Gods Kingdom within us, How does the parable of the yeast illustrate the Kingdom of God within us? Christs Grace and work in the heart of a particular person changes Attitude Values Character Life

Why a Mustard Seed? In the parable how does the mustard seed appear to the hearer…? Why do you think Christ used this example? Small and Common The kingdom of the Messiah, which was now just beginning in comparison to other religions of the day was but a small figure. Christ and the apostles, compared with the grandeur of the world, appeared like a grain of mustard-seed.

Supporting Scripture 1 Cor. 1:27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Are These Parables Relevant Today? In What Ways? New Christians and the Church are like a freshly sprouted seed or baby lamb that need care and nurture. Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

Are the Parables Proved True or False? A Study by Global Christianity A Study of 200 countries finds that… 2.18 billion Christians in the world 1/3 of the total population of 6.9 billion

Geographic Footprint Christians are so geographically widespread that… No single continent or region can indisputably claim to be the geographic center of global Christianity.

The Historical Impact of Christianity "It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of the coming of Christianity. It brought with it, for one thing, an altogether new sense of human life. For the Greeks had shown man his mind; but the Christians showed him his soul.

Christianity's Positive Impact The Rise of Modern Science and Education Development: architecture, music, literature Means of Social Change Early Christians stood in opposition to: Infanticide Degradation of women Gladiatorial combat Slavery

"The history of Christianity is inseparable from the history of Western culture and of Western society.

So much for the mustard seed but what about the leaven and its effect on the Kingdom of God within Us?

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