Scripture to Read: Luke 13:18-19
As we walk through God’s Word this week, we will unpack what God is teaching us. As we read Luke 13:18-29, some commentaries say that this parable is all about the corruption that infiltrates the church, then others say that Jesus is describing the growth and incredible influence of His church. As we read Luke 13:10-17, we see that Jesus had healed a woman on the Sabbath and the religious leaders were angry with Jesus for “working on the Sabbath.” No doubt, these corrupt religious leaders who rebuked Jesus completely missed the handiwork of God. Then Jesus shares the parable of the mustard seed. To help us better understand, the mustard seed, being small, may represent how Christ’s church started with just a few. The tree represents how Christ’s Kingdom has spread throughout the world. Commentaries disagree on what the birds represent. Some say the birds are the corrupt people who infiltrate the church, like the religious leaders in Christ’s day. Others say the birds represent all the different nations that are welcomed to God’s Kingdom. The garden is the world, and Christ is the One who sowed the seed first. The seed is the Word of God, and finally, the tree is God’s kingdom. God’s work through Christ started small when Christ came to earth, but the explosive growth we see in the book of Acts and still see today shows how this parable continues to be fulfilled. God continues to grow His Kingdom through us today. Let’s cast His seed.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about His Word and His Kingdom?
2. How are you casting God’s Word to others and how are you seeing God’s Word bear fruit in your own life too?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!