The Teachings of Jesus in Luke: Weeds and Mold

(Jesus) said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” ~ Luke 13:20-21

 Mustard… is extremely beneficial for the health. It grows entirely wild, though it is improved by being transplanted: but on the other hand when it has once been sown it is scarcely possible to get the place free of it, as the seed when it falls germinates at once. ~ Pliney the Elder

 Yeast...is classified as members of the fungus kingdom. ~ Wikipedia
The Kingdom of God is like a weed.

 Sow a mustard seed in your garden and watch it completely take over. Watch it grow into something wild, hard to get rid of, and untamable.

 The Kingdom of God is like a fungus.

 A fungus that is rather related to mold.

 What does it mean to us that Jesus gives what amounts to rather unflattering portraits of the Kingdom of God?

 What does it mean that the Kingdom of God is like a tiny spec of seed that can turn into a huge plant?

 A plant that while wild, is life-giving?

 What does it mean that the Kingdom of God is like a rather disgusting substance...

 ...that when added to flour or hops, turns into something delicious and in some cases, nutritious?

 Our God is not limited to using only pretty, tamable things to bring about life. Instead God uses things that we find unusable, or unflattering, or unattractive, or even dead...

 And makes something wild and wonderful and beautiful out of them, using them to bring about new life.

 The Kingdom of God isn't what we expect or what we probably would have created ourselves if it were up to us.

 And that probably is what makes it so amazing!
Prayer: Sow your seeds in me, O God, that I may bring about new life! Amen



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