Small beginnings mark the growth of God’s reign. A tiny, seemingly insignificant mustard seed can yield a flourish- ing tree—a tree large enough for birds to live in, produce buds
from which to multiply other trees, and provide an awning for rest. This parable reveals the workings of the kingdom of God. Thousands of tiny acts of love lead to a new kind of people who multiply into an even greater number of acts of love—all the while pointing to God.
Just like a mustard seed, the yeast seems insignificant. However, just as the mustard tree begins with a tiny seed to produce a great harvest, the yeast is “worked all through the dough” (NIV). The kingdom of God brings a “leavening” to every aspect of life.
Imagine what the Jews in Jesus’ day, who were expecting a king who would lead a political and military revolt, must have thought when Jesus presented the image of the kingdom of God as a tiny mustard seed and yeast. They must have found it difficult to comprehend how Jesus could be a king at all, let alone the Messiah.
Jesus’ teaching in these two parables, however, articulates that the reign of God works peacefully and from small and hum- ble beginnings. Jesus will not lead a violent revolt to conquer the Romans. Instead, Jesus leads a quiet and humble movement characterized by peace, hope, and love.
Each of our specific acts of love, regardless of their seem- ing smallness, reveals that the kingdom of God exists and flourishes. In God’s economy, there is no rich or poor, large or small—just multisized acts of love and compassion, all of which point to God’s rule and reign.