Wednesday, 22 July 2026

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.  Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”  He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”  Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 13:31-35)
 

Matthew 13:24-43

Jesus shifts to imagery to describe the incredible nature of God's kingdom, using the mustard seed and leaven as metaphors. Both parables highlight things that begin exceptionally small, unnoticed, and seemingly insignificant. A mustard seed is tiny, yet it grows into a massive tree that provides shelter. A small amount of leaven is hidden in flour, yet it completely transforms the dough from the inside out. 

God's work often starts invisibly and quietly within our hearts. We might feel that our daily acts of faith, kindness, and prayer are too small to matter in the face of the surrounding darkness. However, Jesus assures us that the kingdom has an inherent, unstoppable power to expand and transform. 

Spiritual growth is often a hidden process before it becomes a visible reality. Taking small steps at the beginning of our spiritual journey lays a solid foundation for our relationship with the Father and his Son. Every minor choice to honour God echoes into eternity.

What small, hidden act of faithfulness is God asking you to perform today that you might be tempted to view as insignificant?

How have you witnessed the quiet, leaven-like transformation of God's grace changing your own heart or the atmosphere of your home?

Where do you need to place greater trust in the unseen growth of God's kingdom when external circumstances look discouraging?
 

Almighty God, 
thank you for the quiet, unstoppable power of your kingdom at work within me. Help me never to despise small beginnings or hidden acts of service, but to trust that you are multiplying my small offerings into something beautiful. 
Amen.
 

Reflections by Gillan Hugo

Visit our website