How Something So Small Can Change Everything
Have you ever held a mustard seed in your hand? It’s tiny—so small you could lose it between your fingers or forget it’s even there. Yet, according to Jesus, this little seed is the perfect example of what God’s Kingdom is like. Let’s break down this idea in everyday language, so anyone can understand the big lesson hidden in something so small.
What Is the Kingdom of God?
The “Kingdom of God” can sound mysterious, but it’s actually a simple idea: it’s the place or situation where God’s way is done. Imagine a world where everything works the way God wants—where love, peace, fairness, and happiness take over, and things like pain, fighting, and sadness fade away. The Kingdom of God is both something happening now, wherever people live out God’s ways, and something we look forward to in the future, when everything will finally be perfect.
Why the Mustard Seed?
In the Gospels (the stories about Jesus in the Bible), Jesus says that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. At first, that might seem strange. Why not compare it to something big and impressive, like a mountain or a mighty tree? It’s because the mustard seed starts out incredibly small and ordinary, almost invisible. But when you plant it, something amazing happens.
Given time, that little seed grows into one of the biggest plants in the garden—sometimes so big that birds can sit in its branches and build their nests. That’s a huge change from the tiny seed you started with!
The Simple Big Idea
Jesus’ point is that God’s Kingdom, His way of bringing goodness and change to the world, starts small. It began with a few people, like Jesus and his early followers, in a corner of the world. Most people wouldn’t have even noticed at first. But, just like that seed, God’s Kingdom keeps growing. It spreads from one person to another, from heart to heart, slowly but surely, until it starts to touch the whole world.
Key Features of God’s Kingdom (In Everyday Words)
· God’s Reign: This means God is in charge, not in a bossy way, but like a loving parent who wants what’s best. When people let God lead, good things happen.
· Absence of Evil: Imagine a place where there’s no more pain, sadness, or bad stuff. That’s what God’s Kingdom is like—a place of real happiness and safety.
· Righteousness and Justice: Things are fair. Everyone is treated well, there’s no cheating or hurting, and people stand up for what’s right.
· Peace and Love: People get along, worries disappear, and there’s a deep sense of togetherness and care for one another. It’s not about fighting or fear, but friendship and kindness.
· Growth and Expansion: It starts out so small you might miss it, but it keeps spreading, growing bigger and stronger, touching more lives, just like that mustard seed.
The Kingdom: Here and Soon to Come
One of the most important things to remember is that God’s Kingdom is both already here and not yet fully finished.
· Present Reality: When Jesus was on earth, he told people that the Kingdom of God was happening right then and there. He showed it by helping people, healing them, and loving them, even when others didn’t. Anyone, anywhere, who chooses to follow God’s way, is part of this Kingdom—right now.
· Future Hope: There’s also a promise that one day, God’s way will take over completely. All the things that go wrong in the world—like sickness, death, and hurt—will be gone forever. That’s something to look forward to!
The Parable of the Mustard Seed: What’s the Lesson?
Let’s sum up the story in modern terms. Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which a person took and planted in their garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”
· Small Beginnings: The Kingdom might look insignificant at first. Maybe it’s just one kind word, a helping hand, or an act of forgiveness. But don’t overlook it; small things can lead to big changes.
· Immense Growth: Over time, these small acts of goodness multiply. More people get involved, and little by little, communities change. Just like the seed grows into a huge plant, God’s Kingdom grows beyond what anyone expected.
· Influence and Shelter: The big plant offers shade and a home for birds. In the same way, when people live God’s way, others are blessed—they find comfort, acceptance, and belonging.
How Does This Happen?
Sometimes we expect big change to happen quickly, but the Kingdom of God often works quietly and gradually. It grows, not through loud announcements, but through steady, faithful actions. Think of yeast working in dough—it’s out of sight, but it makes the bread rise and become something wonderful. That’s how God’s Kingdom grows—in the hearts of people and out into the world.
Perseverance and Faith
It takes patience. Sometimes, change is so slow you wonder if anything is happening. But, even if you can’t see it right away, keep going. Every kind act, every moment of faith, builds up over time.
Internal and External Growth
The change starts inside us—our hearts, our attitudes, the way we see others. But it doesn’t stay there. Real change spreads outward, making families, neighborhoods, and even whole countries better places.
God’s Power and Presence
People don’t have to make this happen by themselves. Christians believe God’s Spirit is at work, helping the good things grow stronger and further than anyone could on their own.
What Does It Mean for You?
· Seek God First: To be part of God’s Kingdom, put God’s ways at the top of your list. That means choosing what’s right, even when it’s hard, and letting God’s love shape how you live.
· Let Yourself Be Changed: The Kingdom isn’t just about doing good things, but about becoming a new kind of person—someone who reflects God’s love, patience, and kindness.
· Stay Committed: Sometimes it feels easier to give up or go along with the crowd. But the Kingdom is valuable—worth more than anything else. It’s worth giving your best effort.
Everyday Examples
Still not sure what this looks like? Here are some simple, everyday ways the Kingdom can grow, starting small:
· A child stands up for someone being picked on at school.
· A neighbor shares food with a family going through hard times.
· Someone chooses forgiveness instead of holding a grudge.
· People work together to clean up a park or help after a disaster.
· Friends encourage each other to make honest and kind choices.
These moments might seem small, but they’re seeds planted in the world. Over time, they grow into something much bigger than we can imagine.
Questions to Think About
· Are there “mustard seed” moments in your own life—small beginnings that grew into something great?
· How can you help the Kingdom of God grow in your home, school, or workplace?
· What are some ways you’ve seen small acts of kindness make a big difference?
Conclusion
The story of the mustard seed tells us that, with God, small things can become amazing. The Kingdom of God may start tiny, even hidden, but as it grows, it changes people, communities, and the whole world. You don’t need to do something huge to make a difference—just start with something small. Plant the seed, trust God, and watch what happens.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 