Mark 4:30-32 NLT

Jesus said,

"How can I describe the Kingdom of God? 

What story should I use to illustrate it?

It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. 

It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; 

it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade."

Mark 4:30-32 NLT

Another story about a garden, seed, plants, growth, and this time includes a place of refuge, home, safety, for the creatures in the story.

Then Mark gives us this gem:

Mark 4:33-34 NLT

Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand.

In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.

Maybe we're not supposed to "get" all that the parable is about at the first listen (we get the luxury of reading these parables).

Maybe we're supposed to sit with them, look for connections between them, look for meaning in the symbols (like mustard seed - why choose that?), look for the reason why Jesus might have started this parable with 2 questions...and how does those questions shape the meaning he wants us to discover?

This chilly spring morning, I'm sitting with the image of being a bird who's found safety without knowing all about the tree...what about you?

#invitationintothestory