Week 3 – PARABLES
Mustard Seed
– Nick Tunnicliffe
Lent is a season for disciples to prepare for the immanent cross. This, of course, means we must join Jesus for his 40 days in the desert. In order to be equipped for the cross, we must first be able to stand confidently as children in whom God is well pleased. Undoubtedly, we will leave the desert stronger than we have ever been. And as we walk away from that place, the distant murmurs and mumbles become solidified into an urgent statement: “The Kingdom of God is at hand!”
Yet, moments later, such clarity can turn to fragments. In the reality of our lives, it feels as though the Kingdom of God is not at hand. There are times when we want to stand in front of Jesus and say, “You will not go to the cross,” because a kingdom without a king is not much to speak of. Still, somehow, Jesus’ face conveys a sly smirk, with a glow of confidence as we attempt to tell Him the trajectory of His Kingdom. He clearly knows something we do not.
In response to our confusion, Jesus tells a parable with a timeless echo. It’s not the most appealing example, but Jesus begins, “[The Kingdom of God] is like a mustard seed” (Mk. 4:31)—or, in language we can more plainly understand, “The Kingdom of God is like a weed.” The Kingdom will succeed as much as a weed succeeds in overtaking a field or a lovely garden, if not meticulously defended against. The Kingdom is the dandelion in the lawn of our lives. Give it time; before we know it, there will be no lawn.
So, as we make the trek with Jesus to Jerusalem, we are not worried when He takes a “wrong” turn towards the cross. We put away our swords and gladly join Him with the hope that in His dying the Kingdom will prevail—because, as children of God, we are confident that the Kingdom is at hand and will remain so for all eternity.