THESIS: The humble beginnings of the Kingdom of God should not fool us, this kingdom is the greatest of them all!
Introduction
This is the second of two
parables specifically on the Kingdom of God. Since January we’ve
been exploring what parables are, and we’ve studied two parables on the Word of
God. The last time we looked at Mark it was a parable on the amazing nature of
the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God does not
grow by man’s knowledge, but we have a responsibility in its growth
nevertheless. Today we look at what is commonly called the Parable of the
mustard seed.
Scripture
reading:
30 Then He
said,
“To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 but when it is sown, it grows
up and becomes greater than all herbs, and
shoots out large branches, so that the birds of
the air may nest under its shade.”
33 And with
many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He
explained all things to His disciples.” (Mark 4:30-34)
A.
Another
Parable to illustrate the Kingdom – The Mustard Seed
a.
Its
beginning & growth
This final parable
of Mark is like the last one we looked at which teaches something of the
Kingdom of God. This time we see not the mystery
of the growth of the kingdom, but the dramatic way this kingdom grows – in
terms of size. The smallness of mustard seed was proverbial (see Matt. 17:20).
We’re told it has very humble beginnings but becomes greater than ever
expected. And one final question – This
parable is not an isolated account. It sits within the Gospel of Mark, the
theme of which is To Disclose or Unveil
the Suffering Servant. How does this
parable fulfill Marks’ theme?
b.
Comparison
to Babylon
i. Daniel 4:10–15 –
Babylon (see also Ezekiel 17:22-24; 31:3-12)
This
kingdom is Babylon and the description is from the dream of King
Nebuchadnezzar. We might recall the dream was fulfilled in the King becoming
like a beast eating grass in the field for 7 years. But consider this kingdom.
The King was boasting in it because of its grandeur. Listen to this bit of
history,
“The capital by then covered 900 hectares (2,200 acres) of land and boasted
some the most imposing and majestic structures in all of Mesopotamia. The
architectural list included the completion of the royal palace (supposedly
inlaid with ‘bronze, gold, silver, rare and precious stones’), an entire stone
bridge that connected the two major parts of the city over Euphrates, the famed
blue Ištar Gate, and the possible restoration of Etemenanki – a towering ziggurat
dedicated to the Babylonian god Marduk (that has often been likened to the
Biblical Tower of Babel). In fact, the fully refurbished Etemenanki would have
been one of the tallest man-made structures from the ancient times, with its
imposing height reaching around 298 ft…a few ancient authors…also ascribed the
construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon – one of the seven wonders of
the ancient world, to Nebuchadnezzar.”[1]
Remember
that all this was accomplished about 2600 years ago. Since it is the Kingdom of
God which is in view we really should stay in Daniel a bit longer – for this is
one of Daniel’s major themes.
c.
A
vision of King Nebuchadnezzar (read Daniel 2:31-45)
i. Here we have a
historical panorama of kingdoms all laid out before us. Note that each kingdom
is presented in some form of metal from most valuable to least – and the value
of the metal represents God’s valuation of the Kingdom (Dan 2:39). What kingdom
stands in the end? The stone cut out of the mountain without hands striking the
most inferior of human kingdoms, destroys them all! There is nothing even among
the wealthiest of human kingdoms to redeem itself. All are blown away like the
chaff.
And
what was this kingdom of God likened to? But a mountain which struck the whole
earth. And when does God establish his kingdom? The text says, “In the days of those kings” (Dan. 2:44) Folks – there
is a very real sense that God has been building his kingdom for a very long
time – much longer than we often think…
d.
The
Kingdom of God
i. It’s scope -
1.
It spans time and
space. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell
me, if you have understanding.”
God asks Job. (Job 38:4)
2.
Its glory is
unmatched.
What is the glory of any Kingdom – except what that Kingdom is known for? (Psalm
145:11–13)
3.
It is
unconquerable.
The kingdom of God is not of this world only – therefore no earthly kingdom can
or ever will touch it! (Hebrews 12:28–29 and Matthew 16:18)
4.
It has no limit to its
authoritative realm.
a.
The
Stars dance and sing during creation. (Job 38:7)
b.
The
storms gather and disperse at God’s command. (Mark 4:35-41)
c.
The
great and small fish of the sea do God’s bidding. (Psalm 8:1-9 ; Jonah 1:15-16)
d.
All
creation testifies to this Kingdom and its authority!
5.
It has a great
King.
a.
The
God-Man whose incarnation is the awe of Angels. (1 Peter 1:10-12)
b.
The
love of this King for his subjects is unbounded and none other has ever loved
more. We only need look at the cross to see such love!
c.
The
authority of its King is complete and utter. (John 18:33–37, 19:10-11)
d.
This
King is greater than Solomon – He is the son of David – but David was a servant
of him! (Psalm 110:1-2; Matthew 22:41–46)
e.
The
wisdom of this King surpasses all – He catches the wise in their craftiness. (1
Corinthians 1:18–25)
B.
Parable
Wrap-up
a.
In
the beginning of this message I asked a question - How does this parable fulfill Marks’ theme? I want to say that as
we consider the suffering servant – now as an amazing omnipotent King of kings
– whose love is larger than life itself, does not that inform us on Him? Is
Christ not unveiled a bit more? Indeed we have seen a side of the savior which
should have greatly lifted Him up!
b.
The birds of the
air
nest in its branches. To what does this reference? Many years ago I was at a
men’s Bible study and the leader of the study had us listening to a message on
cassette by a preacher that was unknown to me at the time. I listened with
perhaps a bit too much of a critical spirit. But in my defense I did not know
the preacher. It was Adrian Rogers! He’s a good man folks, perhaps a
dispensationalist, but a good conservative man. He characterized the birds of
the air as the “dirty birds” of the world. At the time I didn’t buy it. So as I
was reviewing commentaries I discovered quite a few other seemed to share his
sentiment. But I still do not.
Rather
I would characterize these birds as needy people in the world – perhaps lost,
and needing a place to nest. In all three of the OT accounts of trees which
represent a kingdom, they all included birds nesting. And these are the
kingdoms of this world. Consider when
Egypt was the great tree and there was a famine in the land. Everyone had to
come to Joseph because there was bread in Egypt. Even Josephs’ brothers came,
as the birds which nested in its branches.
c.
This
message could have been a great deal longer. If I were to recommend something
to you there is a very short message by S. M. Lockeridge called “That’s
my King” which I considered to include, but omitted. Pastor Lockeridge
went to be with the Lord in 2000 and I can’t speak to all he may have preached
or spoken in his ministry, but this brief sermonette is well worth the time.
C.
Challenge
a.
Are
you part of this Kingdom? Do you claim citizenship in the Kingdom? Have you
been adopted by the King? Or are you outside looking in? Do you have any hope
outside? Come to Christ – This King is like no other and he invites you
to come dine with him. He has already shown his love – in that He has died to
take your penalty, if indeed you call upon him!
b.
Are
you a brother or sister of the king? Are you weary and heavy laden? Come! Rest in the love of a King and a
kingdom of power and authority that can indeed afford true rest! Have you forgotten
how great is this kingdom to which you belong? Praise Him for it! Worship this
King for He is worthy to be worshiped!
Amen.
[1] From
https://www.realmofhistory.com/2016/03/14/gorgeous-3d-animation-babylon/
accessed Aug 11, 2018.
