Just like a mustard seed itself, Jesus’ small parable of the mustard seed discloses a large truth: The Kingdom of God is already here, and new patterns of growth have already begun.
In these final words of the New Testament’s first book we find the reaction was mixed when the disciples saw Jesus. Some doubted. Others worshiped him. Instead of scolding the skeptical, Jesus instead cast his vision for the future–a vision that’s not only comprehensive but captivating.
The shortest verse in the Bible is by no means short on significance. When Jesus weeps over the loss of his friend, he reminds us that emotions are a vital part of our human lives, deserving of both our attention and our understanding.
We can renew our hope by fixing our eyes on a God who would face the shame of his own death and embrace glory of his own resurrection so that we can be brought back into a living relationship with himself.