Matthew 13:31-35

Mt. 13:31-35

Jesus liked to use everyday examples to get his point across. In today’s Gospel he compares the Kingdom of God to the growth of a mustard seed and leaven in bread.

I take it that none of you have tried to grow mustard in the desert… so let me try to paint a picture.

Farming in Jesus’ time was a very exact science. There was a short window between seasons where crops could be planted. Plant too early and your seeds will be washed away in the rain. Plant too late and their roots will die when the rainy season comes to an end.

Mustard takes about 6-8 weeks to grow from a tiny seed into a large (almost 4 ft. tall) bush. During this time period the farmer would have to weed, water and protect the crops.

Baking bread took similar time and effort. Jesus’ peeps had no grocery store to buy baking powder and yeast… leavening agents had to be grown for a few days within the leftover dough before more bread could be made (like the Amish Friendship bread that you bake and pass the extra dough along to your friends). Bake too early and your bread will not rise… bake too late and the dough will go bad. Both scenarios land you knocking on the door of your neighbor begging for bread.

Do you see what Jesus is trying to say? The coming of the Kingdom is going to take some serious time and effort! What Jesus was starting with his short ministry and small group of followers- with hard work and patience- would continue on through history to bring the fullness of the Kingdom of God to humanity!

This work continues on today. The work of building the Kingdom has been handed from generation to generation and now we find it in our hands. Happy farming and baking! Peace turtles!