Jesus' Parables - The Mustard Seed & The Yeast
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Talk Summary Article
When we think about changing the world, we often imagine big moments—grand gestures, dramatic breakthroughs, instant results. But Jesus tells a different story about how God’s Kingdom grows.
In Matthew 13:31-33, Jesus shares two parables that challenge our expectations:
"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." (Matthew 13:31-32)
"The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough." (Matthew 13:33)
At first glance, these seem like small, insignificant things—a tiny seed, a handful of yeast. But their impact is transformational.
Don’t Despise Small Beginnings
The mustard seed is tiny, yet it grows into a tree large enough to provide shelter. The yeast is invisible in the dough, but it changes everything from the inside out.
Jesus’ point is clear: God’s work often begins in ways we overlook.
The Kingdom starts small in our hearts, in our families, in our communities.
Growth isn’t always instant—it takes time, patience, and faith.
Transformation happens gradually as we keep saying “yes” to Jesus in the small things.
This is hard for us in a world of quick results, social media highlights, and instant gratification. We want big, visible change, but Jesus calls us to trust the slow, steady work of the Kingdom.
The Kingdom is Growing – Even When You Can’t See It
Perhaps you feel like your faith is too small or your efforts aren’t making a difference. Maybe you’ve prayed for change, but nothing seems to be happening.
But Jesus says: Don’t give up. Don’t walk away from the small seed.
Every prayer, act of kindness, moment of faithfulness is part of something bigger.
God’s Kingdom is growing in you—even if you can’t see it yet.
Over time, the small things become a place of refuge and life for others.
This is God’s answer to the brokenness in our world—not grand spectacles, but the steady, growing fruitfulness of His people saying “yes” to Him.
Are You Letting the Kingdom Work in Every Part of Your Life?
Jesus also compares the Kingdom to yeast working through dough. Yeast transforms the whole batch—but only when it’s fully mixed in.
Sometimes, we compartmentalise our faith—trusting God with some areas but holding others back. But Jesus invites us to let His Kingdom grow in every part of our lives.
What’s one small step of faith you can take this week?
Maybe it’s committing to daily prayer, showing kindness to someone, or trusting God with something you’ve held onto tightly. It may feel small—but it’s how the Kingdom grows.
So, don’t despise small beginnings. Don’t be discouraged by slow growth. Slow work, grubby hands, but a miraculous harvest in the end.