“With what can we compare the kingdom of God?” Mark 4:30-31
We know that God’s kingdom is not of this world. But what does it look like in the world? Jesus said that the kingdom of God is like the smallest of all seeds (4:31). Jesus only had a handful of disciples. What difference can a few believers make in this vast world?
Jesus also said that God’s kingdom is like a living seed (4:32). It may be small, but because it is living, it will grow. And this seed will become “larger than all the garden plants” (4:32). So Jesus is telling us, “God’s kingdom has a small beginning in our hearts, but it will grow.” What God is doing in you will spread through you into the lives of others.
Only God can make things grow, and this is why we pray, “Your kingdom come.” We can plant the seed of God’s truth. We can water it with our prayers. But only God can make it grow. “Your kingdom come” is a prayer for loved ones who do not yet know Jesus. “Your kingdom come” is a prayer for the advance of the gospel in the world.
Why would a person want to be part of this kingdom?
At the center of the Bible story, God, our great and glorious King, came into the world in the person of Jesus Christ. He gave us a sample of what life under His rule will be like—He stilled the storm, He fed the hungry, He healed the sick, and He raised the dead.
Nevertheless, we said, “We do not want this man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). So, we crucified Him. But on the third day, He rose from the dead, and He has ascended into heaven, where He reigns and waits until His kingdom comes.
The risen Lord Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. He will return in power and glory. And when He does, the full blessing of His kingdom will be known by all.
Does this sound like something you would want to be a part of?
