“Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.” 20 Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds[a] of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Luke 13.18-21
Jesus likes to ask questions. Sometimes He answers them Himself, and sometimes others answer. In this instance, Jesus answers the questions He poses, but He does so in a metaphorical way. Rather than using concrete, straightforward terms, He employs symbolic, hyperbolic rhetoric through vivid comparisons to convey spiritual lessons.
For example, He asks, “What is the kingdom of God like?” Why would He want us to know this? Why would Jesus even bring up the topic? Because the Kingdom of God is central to life and to God’s mission for the world. Instead of offering a direct explanation, He gives two memorable illustrations. First, the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. Second, the Kingdom of God is like yeast.
Jesus takes two very common items—a tiny seed and a bit of yeast—and uses them to illustrate the invasive, expansive growth of the Kingdom. At another point, Jesus said, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:20-21). He is teaching us that the Kingdom is “among us,” all around us, within us, and actively welcoming us.
Right now, you and I live in an earthly kingdom. But when Jesus came, John the Baptizer proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is near.” From that time forward, the Kingdom of God has drawn purposefully close to humanity. Jesus not only wants us to be aware of it—God’s presence has come down in the Person of the Holy Spirit—but to live into God’s Kingdom while still on earth.
This past week I helped lead Revive Kids Camp. I had many moments when I felt like the Kingdom of God was truly among us: moments of worship when each of us plugged into the Spirit, moments when kids said “yes” to Jesus, and moments when campers encouraged one another. In those times, we were living in the midst of God’s Kingdom. The separation between earth and the Kingdom of Heaven felt very thin, and God was near.
This does not have to be the exception; it can become the rule for our daily living. Lean into Jesus. Allow His Kingdom to be among you, in you, and all around you. Then you will find purpose and joy for daily living.
“O Lord God, even though my body is weary, my soul is soaring. I am so thankful for Your goodness and grace. It simply does not get any better than this! Thank You for allowing me to walk in newness of life, to be forgiven, and to feel Your power and presence. Come now, Lord God, make Your way among us. Let Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen.