Consider the seed; it is small, insignificant, and seemingly lifeless. And yet, that tiny package speaks volumes. Jesus taught, “The kingdom of God is like this,” he said. “A man scatters seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how. The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. As soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come.” And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to describe it? It’s like a mustard seed that, when sown upon the soil, is the smallest of all the seeds on the ground. And when sown, it comes up and grows taller than all the garden plants, and produces large branches, so that the birds of the sky can nest in its shade.” (Mark 4:26–32, CSB)
The kingdom of God began with one seed, one kernel, one life laid down. Jesus said of himself in John’s Gospel, “Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” (John 12:24, CSB) And Christ’s Kingdom has grown and is still growing. Men and women have obediently planted the seeds of the kingdom in the hearts of others in lands near and far.
Many, understandably, long for the harvest. But the harvest always begins with someone obediently planting a seed. Jesus’ parables remind us that our job is to plant seeds and harvest the crop. The middle part, the part where things grow and mature, is God’s part. We can’t force a seed to grow, but we can help it along the way.
The prophet Zechariah uses a phrase to describe the first acts of rebuilding the temple. “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10a, NLT) Planting the seed of the Kingdom, the Gospel, the Word of God, often seems fruitless and of little significance. Change seems slow, acceptance far off, and the whole process fruitless. That is not so.
We spoke in simile and metaphor, let’s talk plainly. As a followers of Christ, we are to share the truth of the Gospel with others. Often, that sharing is through practical acts of service, caring, and building relationships. And also frequently, the sharing is speaking the Words of life, truth, grace, and forgiveness with others as the Spirit leads. Do not despise these small beginnings. A cup of refreshing water given to another in Christ’s name will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42).
Children’s ministry often seems small in the grand design of church ministry. Perhaps even something to keep the kids busy while the adults hear the Word of God. However, Children’s Ministry is a highly significant seed-planting opportunity that, while slow to mature, is significant to Kingdom growth.
The little phrase of Gospel truth we speak at the right moment, an act of service offered to another, the time invested with one person, or a prayer with someone hurting are all seeds of the Kingdom. God will provide the growth towards a harvest we may never know about. A seed can lie dormant in the ground for decades until the conditions are right. Never stop planting seeds and always trust God for the growth.
- Mark: An Insignificant Seed - June 4, 2025
- Mark – Listen Carefully - June 2, 2025
- Mark: Consider the Sower - May 28, 2025
