3. Famous parable Growth recipe Smallest seed Grows to large tree Your church, though small, can grow with God’s help and a pinch of faith

4. Famous Parable The purpose We miss the “so that”

7. The problem Decorative-plate-fallacy Growth is a means, not an end The tree grows to provide nesting room This is not as much a parable about impressive growth as it is about an unlikely sanctuary.

8. Breakdown Kingdom of Heaven Kingdom of God A people ruled by a king A people ruled by God Mustard seed

9. Breakdown Mustard seed Is underestimated Is unimpressive Seems insignificant Becomes valuable tree

10. Breakdown The birds Not us People outside the kingdom Immigrants to the kingdom

11. Breakdown The nest Safety Rest Nourishment Growth

12. Breakdown The nest Uncommon word Acts 2:25-26 For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope.

13. Breakdown The nest Tabernacle Tent/temple in the desert

16. Breakdown The nest Tabernacle Jesus tabernacled=nested He provided safety, rest, nourishment, and growth

18. Relation Tree:Nest::Church:Jesus How do the tree and nest relate to one another? Tree provides support, materials, food, & more Tree is an extension of the nest

19. Summary Kingdom = people ruled by God Mustard seed/plant = Kingdom Birds = coming to God Nest = way and source of life

20. Summary A people ruled by God may look small, insignificant, and useless, but after God makes them grow they become a highly valuable resource and home to many others.