Small Starts

Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

Mark 4:30–32

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The Bible Knowledge Commentary* helpfully notes that it takes over 700 mustard seeds to weigh a gram (and there are 28 grams in a single ounce). So a mustard seed is pretty small and very light. Yet the shrub that grows from this seed becomes the largest of all garden plants in Palestine, reaching a height of 10–12 feet in a few weeks. The key point being that this mustard seed starts small but grows to be something very big.

Jesus is comparing His ministry and the kingdom He is planting to the mustard seed. He is saying that even though it looks small and insignificant right now, it would grow. In fact, this small movement would one day encircle the whole globe. 

‌‌This parable is a great reminder for us that God often starts great works in the smallest ways. An old Chinese proverb says “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” And that seems to capture how God often works in His children’s lives. Consider for example how God chose to create a people and a nation for His name. He didn’t go find a people already existing and adopt them as His own. No. He chose one man and his wife and asked them to go on a long journey to a place they had never been before. Imagine that! The beginnings of Israel, even the beginnings of the church. Abram I’ve got a plan, but first you need to go on a journey.

Yes, God has a habit of starting large undertakings in small ways. So, you have to learn not to despise small things and small beginnings in the Christian life. Advancing God’s kingdom in your life often starts with small things like choosing to obey. Praying and asking God for guidance and help. Or even inviting someone to church. Don’t underestimate these small steps of faith.‌

* John D. Grassmick, “Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 121.