WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.200 We're going to have our Bible reading this morning. 00:00:05.660 --> 00:00:11.220 It is from Matthew 13, starting at chapter 31. 00:00:15.419 --> 00:00:19.039 So Matthew 13, starting at chapter 31. 00:00:20.100 --> 00:00:22.719 He put another parable before them, saying, 00:00:23.420 --> 00:00:26.320 The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed 00:00:26.320 --> 00:00:29.120 that a man took and sowed in his field. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.439 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown, 00:00:33.439 --> 00:00:36.960 it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, 00:00:37.500 --> 00:00:41.259 so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. 00:00:42.240 --> 00:00:43.939 He told them another parable. 00:00:45.079 --> 00:00:48.539 The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took 00:00:48.539 --> 00:00:52.420 and hid in three measures of flour till it was all leavened. 00:00:53.719 --> 00:00:56.859 All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables. 00:00:56.859 --> 00:01:00.759 Indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 00:01:01.780 --> 00:01:04.239 This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet. 00:01:05.180 --> 00:01:07.260 I will open my mouth in parables. 00:01:07.900 --> 00:01:11.739 I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world. 00:01:11.739 --> 00:01:20.879 Good morning. 00:01:23.519 --> 00:01:24.599 My name is Simon. 00:01:24.739 --> 00:01:26.739 I'm just one of the regular attenders here, 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:29.280 but I will be bringing us our message today. 00:01:29.519 --> 00:01:30.019 Isn't that fun? 00:01:31.459 --> 00:01:35.299 Special welcome to you if you're visiting from Sydney or Tamworth 00:01:35.299 --> 00:01:36.739 or somewhere else in between. 00:01:36.739 --> 00:01:41.199 But please open your Bibles with me to Matthew chapter 13. 00:01:46.019 --> 00:01:47.719 We just pray before we kick in. 00:01:49.919 --> 00:01:54.060 Gracious Father, thank you for your words so clearly spelt out to us. 00:01:56.019 --> 00:01:59.319 As I go through this message, please give me your words to speak 00:01:59.319 --> 00:02:02.959 and your word to permeate the hearts of all who hear, 00:02:03.659 --> 00:02:06.439 whether here or at home or listening later. 00:02:07.099 --> 00:02:07.819 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:02:12.759 --> 00:02:16.180 So as we've just heard through Marty, 00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:20.579 we're in the midst of a series of talks working through the parables of Jesus 00:02:20.579 --> 00:02:22.500 as we can for us in the book of Matthew. 00:02:22.500 --> 00:02:25.879 Adam beautifully put it last week. 00:02:26.319 --> 00:02:29.379 Each of these parables shows us a different aspect of the kingdom of God. 00:02:29.780 --> 00:02:31.919 Like a beautiful gem, we see the beauty of the kingdom, 00:02:32.620 --> 00:02:36.219 but as we turn the gem, we discover new and different aspects. 00:02:37.539 --> 00:02:39.759 When we can put all of these different views together, 00:02:40.199 --> 00:02:42.460 we can get a deeper understanding of the whole. 00:02:43.900 --> 00:02:47.300 And to use a worldly parable, three blind men come across an elephant. 00:02:48.060 --> 00:02:50.979 The first man finds a leg and includes, it's a tree. 00:02:50.979 --> 00:02:55.419 The second man bumps into the trunk and says, it's a snake. 00:02:56.299 --> 00:02:59.019 The third man feels the tail and goes, it's a broom. 00:03:00.280 --> 00:03:02.780 So when we look at a single aspect of something, 00:03:03.500 --> 00:03:07.179 we learn about that one aspect, 00:03:07.959 --> 00:03:10.799 but it's when we put all the parts together to make the whole 00:03:10.799 --> 00:03:14.419 that we discover something much greater than we could have conceived. 00:03:16.179 --> 00:03:18.679 Now, while this worldly parable can often be used to show 00:03:18.680 --> 00:03:21.360 how no one religion has all the answers, 00:03:22.180 --> 00:03:24.260 I think it is better served to help us understand 00:03:24.260 --> 00:03:26.280 the way these parables that we're working through 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:28.040 tell us about the kingdom of God. 00:03:30.219 --> 00:03:32.000 So why does Jesus talk in parables? 00:03:34.060 --> 00:03:37.060 So Jesus explains to his disciples that he teaches in parables 00:03:37.060 --> 00:03:40.439 to reveal the kingdom of heaven to those who are ordained to hear. 00:03:40.439 --> 00:03:46.120 Jesus uses the knowledge of his audience to teach about the kingdom of heaven. 00:03:47.419 --> 00:03:49.639 He uses everyday scenarios and images. 00:03:50.900 --> 00:03:52.639 Now, these images are not overtly religious 00:03:52.639 --> 00:03:55.359 and as such do not pose a threat to the world. 00:03:56.219 --> 00:03:57.319 As Eugene Peterson states, 00:03:57.439 --> 00:03:59.439 the listeners walked away perplexed, 00:04:00.219 --> 00:04:01.740 wondering what the parables meant, 00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:04.400 the stories lodged in their imaginations. 00:04:04.400 --> 00:04:09.500 See, the use of simple language makes the teaching accessible to everyone, 00:04:10.500 --> 00:04:13.620 but will also be easily discounted as worthless 00:04:13.620 --> 00:04:17.280 by those who are looking for the majesty and power of a kingdom. 00:04:18.959 --> 00:04:22.439 The use of everyday images also allows daily tasks 00:04:22.439 --> 00:04:24.199 to remind us of the kingdom of heaven 00:04:24.199 --> 00:04:26.939 and keep his teachings at the forefront of our minds. 00:04:28.399 --> 00:04:30.460 Every time we see a field of grain, 00:04:30.459 --> 00:04:33.079 we can be reminded of the parable of the sower 00:04:33.079 --> 00:04:34.599 and the parable of the weeds. 00:04:35.739 --> 00:04:38.739 Every time we see or smell a fresh batch of bread, 00:04:39.539 --> 00:04:41.819 we can be reminded of the parable of the leaven. 00:04:43.459 --> 00:04:45.639 When we see birds perching a tree, 00:04:46.259 --> 00:04:48.479 we can be reminded of the parable of the mustard seed. 00:04:51.599 --> 00:04:53.199 But why these parables? 00:04:53.319 --> 00:04:55.439 Why are we talking about the mustard seed in the tree? 00:04:55.500 --> 00:04:56.879 And why are we talking about the leaven today? 00:04:57.719 --> 00:04:59.120 So as we heard last week, 00:04:59.120 --> 00:05:00.840 all the parables are distinctly different, 00:05:01.560 --> 00:05:02.600 but they're all linked. 00:05:03.660 --> 00:05:04.740 The parable of the sower, 00:05:05.079 --> 00:05:05.660 the weeds, 00:05:05.860 --> 00:05:07.019 the mustard seed and the leaven, 00:05:07.780 --> 00:05:11.480 they all contain an inherent aspect of growth. 00:05:13.160 --> 00:05:15.399 These parables answer a question of growth. 00:05:16.560 --> 00:05:17.600 A couple of weeks ago, 00:05:17.800 --> 00:05:18.800 Matt asked us the question, 00:05:18.939 --> 00:05:21.680 do we feel like the gospel is failing in Australia? 00:05:23.259 --> 00:05:24.639 It's an interesting question. 00:05:25.519 --> 00:05:26.939 And the way we answer the question 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:29.279 would depend entirely on our perspective. 00:05:31.079 --> 00:05:33.779 Our definition of success will shape how we can answer. 00:05:34.680 --> 00:05:36.040 If we take the world's perspective, 00:05:36.779 --> 00:05:38.740 we might look to the physical growth of the church, 00:05:39.319 --> 00:05:39.939 bums on seats, 00:05:40.019 --> 00:05:40.879 numbers through the door, 00:05:41.379 --> 00:05:44.319 as a measure of the success of the gospel. 00:05:45.159 --> 00:05:45.379 Now, 00:05:45.439 --> 00:05:47.839 in an article published by the ABC on Monday, 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:48.579 just go on, 00:05:48.579 --> 00:05:54.120 Professor Andrew Singleton of Deakin University states that in Australia, 00:05:54.680 --> 00:05:59.159 Pentecostals demonstrate a high level of religious commitment and practice, 00:06:00.159 --> 00:06:01.740 telling the Radio National Programme, 00:06:02.120 --> 00:06:05.620 they are the number one in terms of attendance and bums on seats. 00:06:05.620 --> 00:06:07.939 If you're Pentecostal, 00:06:08.060 --> 00:06:10.600 you're pretty much guaranteed to go to church each week. 00:06:11.860 --> 00:06:15.060 And while the congregations of other Christian denominations are in free fall, 00:06:15.980 --> 00:06:20.199 Pentecostal membership has increased in line with population growth since the 1980s. 00:06:21.680 --> 00:06:22.240 So, 00:06:22.800 --> 00:06:23.959 by the worldly measure, 00:06:23.959 --> 00:06:29.079 the only truly growing form of Christianity in Australia is Pentecostalism. 00:06:30.099 --> 00:06:32.719 And growth there is 35% from immigration. 00:06:35.199 --> 00:06:37.139 Is that how we measure growth of the church? 00:06:39.699 --> 00:06:40.419 Last week, 00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:43.159 Adam encouraged us to live our lives in light of the harvest, 00:06:43.779 --> 00:06:45.179 not in light of the crop in the field. 00:06:46.000 --> 00:06:47.419 As the weeds and the wheat grow, 00:06:47.639 --> 00:06:48.939 they're almost indistinguishable. 00:06:49.639 --> 00:06:50.519 It's only when the fruit, 00:06:50.659 --> 00:06:51.859 the seed of each plant develops, 00:06:51.860 --> 00:06:54.360 that we can see what is wheat and what is weed. 00:06:55.639 --> 00:06:55.840 So, 00:06:55.900 --> 00:06:56.639 how do we feel 00:06:56.639 --> 00:06:59.840 when we are called by God to place all our hope, 00:07:00.600 --> 00:07:01.500 all our identity, 00:07:02.439 --> 00:07:03.780 all our eternal self 00:07:03.780 --> 00:07:06.180 in the smallest of the seeds? 00:07:08.240 --> 00:07:11.639 It is easy to feel that Christianity is losing social status 00:07:11.639 --> 00:07:13.379 and influence in Western cultures. 00:07:14.520 --> 00:07:17.480 Our own personal walk with God in knowledge and love 00:07:17.480 --> 00:07:18.920 can feel like one step forward, 00:07:19.319 --> 00:07:20.060 two steps back. 00:07:20.060 --> 00:07:22.220 It's just so hard to be consistent. 00:07:24.280 --> 00:07:26.439 But as we engage in kingdom work 00:07:26.439 --> 00:07:28.819 through little conversations with other believers, 00:07:29.920 --> 00:07:32.340 with private, unknown, unapplauded prayers 00:07:32.340 --> 00:07:33.519 and giving to missionaries, 00:07:34.699 --> 00:07:37.160 the little moments of teaching and correcting our children 00:07:37.160 --> 00:07:38.879 to see life from a Christian perspective, 00:07:39.879 --> 00:07:42.100 these can all seem insignificant 00:07:42.100 --> 00:07:44.199 compared to the comfort and prosperity 00:07:44.199 --> 00:07:46.759 and sense him important that the world puts value on. 00:07:49.219 --> 00:07:52.240 But by revealing aspects of the kingdom through the parables, 00:07:53.219 --> 00:07:55.579 Jesus gives us a true perspective of things. 00:07:59.039 --> 00:08:02.800 Jesus is using the knowledge that we have to reveal the kingdom to us. 00:08:02.800 --> 00:08:05.400 So let's open up to verse 34. 00:08:08.180 --> 00:08:11.180 All these things Jesus said to the crowd in parables. 00:08:11.819 --> 00:08:15.120 Indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. 00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:19.180 Now, I think I need to clarify at this point 00:08:19.180 --> 00:08:23.000 that it's clear as we read through the various gospels 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:26.160 that Jesus does not talk exclusively in riddles 00:08:26.160 --> 00:08:27.100 when talking to the crowd. 00:08:27.100 --> 00:08:30.100 There is not an aspect of Yoda 00:08:30.100 --> 00:08:31.840 where every item is aristocrat. 00:08:31.960 --> 00:08:33.159 Hmm, found someone, yes. 00:08:34.159 --> 00:08:36.940 No, Jesus' words are not a listing of proverbs. 00:08:38.279 --> 00:08:40.420 This statement is telling us that parables 00:08:40.420 --> 00:08:42.500 are an integral part of Jesus' teaching 00:08:42.500 --> 00:08:44.820 and he did not teach the crowds anything 00:08:44.820 --> 00:08:47.879 without using parables as part of his teaching. 00:08:49.680 --> 00:08:50.659 Moving on to 35. 00:08:52.120 --> 00:08:54.440 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet. 00:08:54.440 --> 00:08:57.100 I will open my mouth in parables. 00:08:57.580 --> 00:08:59.380 I will utter what has been hidden 00:08:59.380 --> 00:09:00.760 since the foundation of the world. 00:09:03.080 --> 00:09:05.200 So how is Jesus' teaching in parables 00:09:05.200 --> 00:09:06.880 fulfilling the words of the prophet? 00:09:08.400 --> 00:09:10.500 And which prophet's words are he fulfilling? 00:09:12.280 --> 00:09:15.420 So these lines here in verse 35 are quoted from Psalm 78, 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:17.300 which is a psalm written by Asaph. 00:09:19.160 --> 00:09:22.400 Throughout Psalm 78, Asaph recounts the history of Israel 00:09:22.399 --> 00:09:24.179 from the promise to Jacob, 00:09:24.340 --> 00:09:25.740 which affirmed the promise to Abraham, 00:09:26.459 --> 00:09:28.340 through all of Israel's sojournings in the wilderness, 00:09:29.199 --> 00:09:30.939 all of Israel's complaints in the wilderness, 00:09:31.699 --> 00:09:33.579 the punishment made it against Egypt, 00:09:34.419 --> 00:09:36.679 and all the aspects of the rebellion of God's people. 00:09:38.879 --> 00:09:41.399 Yet Asaph shows us that through all this, 00:09:42.059 --> 00:09:43.559 God is steadfast. 00:09:44.959 --> 00:09:46.799 Asaph recounts the history of Israel 00:09:46.799 --> 00:09:49.439 not from the perspective of the glory of the kingdom, 00:09:49.440 --> 00:09:53.200 rather from the perspective of the righteous act of God 00:09:53.200 --> 00:09:53.840 in redemption. 00:09:55.400 --> 00:09:57.600 So this is what Matthew, in compiling his gospel, 00:09:57.740 --> 00:09:58.800 believes that Jesus is doing, 00:09:59.460 --> 00:10:02.260 taking the known facts and reshaping them 00:10:02.260 --> 00:10:03.420 to give us information 00:10:03.420 --> 00:10:06.440 that was previously unknown or unconsidered. 00:10:08.060 --> 00:10:09.820 Now the most obvious example for this 00:10:09.820 --> 00:10:11.000 is during the Sermon on the Mount 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:13.080 we looked at around this time last year. 00:10:13.080 --> 00:10:15.060 In Matthew chapter 5, 00:10:15.160 --> 00:10:17.639 Jesus teaches the true meaning behind the Jewish law. 00:10:18.600 --> 00:10:22.400 In verses 21, 27, 31, 33 of chapter 5, 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:24.120 he uses the phrase, 00:10:24.320 --> 00:10:25.320 you have heard it said, 00:10:25.580 --> 00:10:26.580 or something along these lines. 00:10:27.500 --> 00:10:29.740 When there Jesus enters into a teaching on the law 00:10:29.740 --> 00:10:30.560 as it is stated, 00:10:31.700 --> 00:10:33.160 and then the motives of the heart 00:10:33.160 --> 00:10:34.639 that are behind each of these laws. 00:10:36.200 --> 00:10:38.520 These teachings guide us to understanding 00:10:38.520 --> 00:10:40.580 that the kingdom of heaven is not ruled by law, 00:10:41.080 --> 00:10:42.940 not accessed through physical obedience, 00:10:43.840 --> 00:10:46.780 but rather by a changing of attitude within our hearts 00:10:46.780 --> 00:10:49.900 based on the original plan that God has for us. 00:10:50.980 --> 00:10:53.100 The parables teach us aspects of heaven 00:10:53.100 --> 00:10:54.420 that have always been there, 00:10:55.040 --> 00:10:56.780 but not understood in their nature 00:10:56.780 --> 00:10:58.759 prior to Jesus shaping them in this way. 00:11:01.280 --> 00:11:02.960 Don Carson, in his commentary on this passage, 00:11:03.100 --> 00:11:03.879 describes it well with, 00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:06.759 Jesus is the royal king and son of David 00:11:06.759 --> 00:11:07.540 foreseen in scripture, 00:11:08.820 --> 00:11:10.980 but also the stricken shepherd, 00:11:11.680 --> 00:11:12.840 equally foreseen in scripture. 00:11:13.800 --> 00:11:16.680 Who clearly foresaw that both of these streams 00:11:16.680 --> 00:11:18.180 would merge into one person? 00:11:20.940 --> 00:11:24.020 Are we open to having our preconceptions challenged 00:11:24.020 --> 00:11:25.400 and changed by Jesus? 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:29.040 Are we open to learning new things about God 00:11:29.040 --> 00:11:31.420 and his kingdom as our hearts are shaped by the gospel? 00:11:31.419 --> 00:11:36.139 Are we willing to give up our expectations 00:11:36.139 --> 00:11:39.579 and let Jesus guide us on the path of life? 00:11:43.240 --> 00:11:45.939 With a slight understanding of what Jesus is doing 00:11:45.939 --> 00:11:46.819 with these parables, 00:11:47.959 --> 00:11:50.860 let's look now at how Jesus challenges the understanding 00:11:50.860 --> 00:11:53.740 and expectations of his audience then and now 00:11:53.740 --> 00:11:54.740 with these words. 00:11:54.740 --> 00:11:59.200 Jesus teaches us that his kingdom is for all nations 00:11:59.200 --> 00:12:00.779 and it is guaranteed to grow. 00:12:03.019 --> 00:12:04.560 Going back up to verse 31, 00:12:04.559 --> 00:12:08.099 Jesus put another parable before them saying, 00:12:08.100 --> 00:12:11.620 the kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:13.700 that a man took and sowed in his field. 00:12:14.840 --> 00:12:16.460 It is the smallest of all seeds. 00:12:17.040 --> 00:12:19.860 When it is grown, it is larger than all the garden plants 00:12:19.860 --> 00:12:20.840 and becomes a tree, 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:23.320 so that the birds of the air come 00:12:23.320 --> 00:12:24.940 and make nests in its branches. 00:12:24.940 --> 00:12:31.060 Before we get lost in the amazing imagery and history 00:12:31.060 --> 00:12:32.580 that's wrapped up in this simple story, 00:12:33.420 --> 00:12:35.400 let's have a look at some more obvious oddities. 00:12:36.540 --> 00:12:37.600 Firstly, the mustard seed. 00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:40.540 While we clearly know that a mustard seed 00:12:40.540 --> 00:12:43.220 is not literally the smallest of all seeds, 00:12:43.840 --> 00:12:46.060 we can appreciate that the point Jesus makes. 00:12:47.060 --> 00:12:49.980 This is not the only time that a mustard seed is used 00:12:49.980 --> 00:12:52.460 to represent something almost insignificantly small. 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:55.220 In Matthew chapter 17, 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:57.519 Jesus uses the mustard seed as an example 00:12:57.519 --> 00:12:59.400 of the tiniest amount of true faith 00:12:59.400 --> 00:13:01.420 that has the power to move mountains. 00:13:02.879 --> 00:13:05.680 So the mustard seed is used as a stereotype 00:13:05.680 --> 00:13:07.460 for the picture of insignificance. 00:13:09.320 --> 00:13:10.700 Secondly, the mustard tree. 00:13:12.300 --> 00:13:13.680 Now most commentators that I read 00:13:13.680 --> 00:13:15.320 and most farmers I'm sure would agree 00:13:15.320 --> 00:13:17.879 that calling a mustard plant a tree 00:13:17.879 --> 00:13:19.480 is a bit of a stretch. 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:22.600 Everyone agrees that the mustard plant 00:13:22.600 --> 00:13:24.420 can grow up to three metres high, 00:13:24.740 --> 00:13:26.500 but it is more commonly referred to as a bush, 00:13:27.340 --> 00:13:29.460 as most mustard varieties are a small shrub. 00:13:31.639 --> 00:13:33.840 So why does Jesus describe it as a tree? 00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:37.600 As we look back at some scripture reflections 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:38.620 that this story evokes, 00:13:38.680 --> 00:13:39.899 we can begin to understand. 00:13:39.899 --> 00:13:44.559 If we look at the prophecies of Ezekiel and Daniel, 00:13:45.620 --> 00:13:47.519 the mighty trees that provide shelter 00:13:47.519 --> 00:13:48.539 to all the nations 00:13:48.539 --> 00:13:51.059 are compared to the mighty cedars of Lebanon. 00:13:52.639 --> 00:13:54.179 The cedar is a beautiful tree. 00:13:54.559 --> 00:13:57.379 It's tall, strong, beautiful to behold. 00:13:59.019 --> 00:14:01.959 So the cedar is an excellent metaphor for a kingdom. 00:14:01.960 --> 00:14:04.680 The seeds of a cedar, 00:14:04.840 --> 00:14:06.259 while not as small as a mustard seed, 00:14:06.360 --> 00:14:08.340 aren't exactly the biggest seeds out there either. 00:14:09.480 --> 00:14:10.220 Acorns are bigger. 00:14:11.000 --> 00:14:11.860 Peaches are bigger. 00:14:12.019 --> 00:14:12.680 Plums are bigger. 00:14:14.080 --> 00:14:15.680 So why a mustard tree? 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:19.800 It's even when assuring us that the kingdom will grow, 00:14:20.580 --> 00:14:22.540 Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of God 00:14:22.540 --> 00:14:24.320 is not what we expect it to be. 00:14:25.980 --> 00:14:27.379 From a worldly comparison, 00:14:27.560 --> 00:14:29.519 the kingdom of God might look weak or pathetic. 00:14:29.519 --> 00:14:31.000 As a mustard tree, 00:14:31.059 --> 00:14:32.220 we compare to a mighty cedar. 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:35.120 The imagery of the parable 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:38.980 draws us away from the earthly majesty of our kingdoms 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:41.419 and focuses our hearts on the assured growth 00:14:41.419 --> 00:14:42.559 to the mature conclusion. 00:14:44.340 --> 00:14:46.460 The mature conclusion that the kingdom of God 00:14:46.460 --> 00:14:47.699 is growing towards 00:14:47.699 --> 00:14:50.519 is a place of rest for all nations. 00:14:52.439 --> 00:14:54.840 Jesus is pushing his predominantly Jewish audience 00:14:54.840 --> 00:14:57.000 to lift their view of the kingdom up 00:14:57.000 --> 00:14:58.620 from their expectations of a restoration 00:14:58.620 --> 00:14:59.879 of the kingdom of David, 00:15:00.320 --> 00:15:01.639 the worldly kingdom of Israel. 00:15:03.279 --> 00:15:06.299 The promise to Abraham of a blessing to all nations 00:15:06.299 --> 00:15:07.899 is coming to fruition. 00:15:08.840 --> 00:15:11.279 The fullness of God's kingdom is being revealed 00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:13.659 and it is bigger than Israel, 00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:15.620 just as it was always intended. 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:19.019 Our third oddity, 00:15:19.799 --> 00:15:21.639 a mustard seed sown in a field. 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:25.460 Just as a lot of people agree 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:28.059 that calling a mustard bush a tree is odd, 00:15:28.779 --> 00:15:31.460 planting it in a field is also out of place. 00:15:32.620 --> 00:15:34.059 Jesus himself in this parable 00:15:34.059 --> 00:15:36.340 recognises that mustard is a garden plant. 00:15:37.919 --> 00:15:40.259 So if we follow Eugene Peterson's line of thought 00:15:40.259 --> 00:15:41.899 that these stories were used for teaching 00:15:41.899 --> 00:15:43.220 as they lodged in our brains, 00:15:43.960 --> 00:15:46.939 the idea of a garden plant growing in a field 00:15:46.939 --> 00:15:48.799 is just ludicrous enough 00:15:48.799 --> 00:15:51.359 that we'll keep calling it for a good laugh. 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:53.659 Remember that time Jesus planted the herb 00:15:53.659 --> 00:15:54.779 out in the fields with all the wheat? 00:15:54.979 --> 00:15:55.599 What an idiot. 00:15:56.899 --> 00:15:59.379 But the story of the kingdom remains with us 00:15:59.379 --> 00:16:01.899 and our minds turn it over and over 00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:03.120 every time we think on it. 00:16:04.479 --> 00:16:06.779 God's word is work in our hearts, 00:16:07.459 --> 00:16:09.500 even as we're laughing at the ridiculousness 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:10.039 of that image. 00:16:10.039 --> 00:16:13.620 So two sentences, 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:15.399 three anomalies. 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:18.439 The audience back then as well as now, 00:16:18.559 --> 00:16:19.539 we all can't help wondering, 00:16:20.099 --> 00:16:21.799 what is Jesus trying to say? 00:16:25.539 --> 00:16:27.159 So the image of the birds 00:16:27.159 --> 00:16:29.799 coming and making nests in the branches of the tree 00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:32.459 reflects the imagery of Ezekiel chapter 31. 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:35.860 Here the prophet is speaking to Pharaoh 00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:36.919 with the words of God. 00:16:36.919 --> 00:16:40.979 The prophecy speaks of the might 00:16:40.979 --> 00:16:43.059 and majesty of the Assyrian kingdom, 00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:46.299 famous for decimating the northern tribes of Israel. 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:48.459 He reflects it as a cedar in Lebanon. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:52.319 In verse 6 of Ezekiel chapter 31, 00:16:53.120 --> 00:16:53.719 he recounts, 00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:55.659 all the birds of the heavens 00:16:55.659 --> 00:16:57.240 made their nests in its boughs. 00:16:58.299 --> 00:16:59.120 Under its branches, 00:16:59.279 --> 00:17:00.519 all the beasts of the field 00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:01.719 gave birth to their young. 00:17:02.179 --> 00:17:04.740 Under its shadow lived all great nations. 00:17:06.920 --> 00:17:08.759 There is also a similar reflection of this 00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:09.800 in Daniel chapter 4 00:17:09.800 --> 00:17:11.900 when Daniel is talking to Nebuchadnezzar. 00:17:13.480 --> 00:17:14.920 The description of a tree 00:17:14.920 --> 00:17:16.080 that provides nesting 00:17:16.080 --> 00:17:18.120 for all the birds of the air or heavens 00:17:18.120 --> 00:17:19.320 is a kingdom, 00:17:19.740 --> 00:17:21.560 an empire that is mighty, 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:23.220 a kingdom that provides 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:24.480 for all the needs 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:25.920 of those who dwell within. 00:17:28.320 --> 00:17:30.220 So the image of a mustard seed, 00:17:30.620 --> 00:17:32.360 the stereotype of insignificance, 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:34.660 growing into a mighty kingdom, 00:17:34.660 --> 00:17:36.640 providing benefits for all 00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:37.840 who come to rest in its shade. 00:17:39.880 --> 00:17:41.220 Jesus' words show us 00:17:41.220 --> 00:17:42.160 the organic unity 00:17:42.160 --> 00:17:43.160 of the small beginning 00:17:43.160 --> 00:17:45.259 and the mature conclusion. 00:17:47.940 --> 00:17:49.420 The empires spoken of 00:17:49.420 --> 00:17:50.420 in Ezekiel and Daniel 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:51.259 were all erased. 00:17:52.360 --> 00:17:55.380 Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, gone. 00:17:56.840 --> 00:17:58.060 Yet God's kingdom 00:17:58.060 --> 00:17:59.580 endures forever. 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:02.419 The mighty seed 00:18:02.419 --> 00:18:03.559 have been chopped down 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:06.439 but the mustard tree 00:18:06.439 --> 00:18:07.799 will last forever. 00:18:09.419 --> 00:18:11.819 That small, insignificant seed 00:18:11.819 --> 00:18:13.399 will grow 00:18:13.399 --> 00:18:14.599 into a mighty kingdom, 00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:16.039 will endure. 00:18:18.919 --> 00:18:20.599 So when we see the value 00:18:20.599 --> 00:18:21.339 in which the world 00:18:21.339 --> 00:18:22.339 holds God's kingdom, 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:24.099 are we reminded 00:18:24.099 --> 00:18:25.039 of the insignificance 00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:25.740 of the mustard seed? 00:18:25.740 --> 00:18:29.559 The disciples 00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:30.480 hearing this message 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:30.980 would have been, 00:18:31.259 --> 00:18:32.200 well, let's get it. 00:18:32.240 --> 00:18:32.740 At this point, 00:18:32.799 --> 00:18:33.720 they probably didn't get it 00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:34.779 but very shortly, 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:36.400 in the next few years, 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:37.579 they'll grasp 00:18:37.579 --> 00:18:38.460 the full power 00:18:38.460 --> 00:18:39.120 of this message. 00:18:40.180 --> 00:18:41.240 As they embark 00:18:41.240 --> 00:18:42.559 on the world-shaping 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:43.680 journey of evangelism, 00:18:44.519 --> 00:18:45.180 these words 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:45.660 would have been 00:18:45.660 --> 00:18:46.440 a great comfort. 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:48.740 In the years 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:49.799 following the resurrection 00:18:49.799 --> 00:18:50.880 and ascension of Jesus, 00:18:51.120 --> 00:18:51.579 the disciples 00:18:51.579 --> 00:18:52.720 committed their lives 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:53.220 to preaching 00:18:53.220 --> 00:18:53.980 the kingdom of God 00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:54.920 to all who would hear. 00:18:55.740 --> 00:18:57.279 From the small beginning 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:58.160 of 12 men, 00:18:58.819 --> 00:19:00.299 the church grew. 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:03.920 We can look through Acts 00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:05.019 and see that there are 00:19:05.019 --> 00:19:05.740 many verses 00:19:05.740 --> 00:19:06.579 where it states 00:19:06.579 --> 00:19:07.819 many believed. 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:10.019 Chapter 4, verse 4. 00:19:10.299 --> 00:19:11.339 Chapter 9, verse 42. 00:19:11.640 --> 00:19:13.059 Chapter 13, verse 48. 00:19:13.599 --> 00:19:14.980 Chapter 17, verse 12. 00:19:15.480 --> 00:19:16.579 Chapter 8, verse 8. 00:19:17.120 --> 00:19:18.500 Chapter 21, verse 20. 00:19:19.680 --> 00:19:20.900 Many believed. 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:23.259 In those early years, 00:19:23.319 --> 00:19:23.920 the church grew 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:27.000 from 12 to tens of thousands. 00:19:28.200 --> 00:19:28.920 There's more seed, 00:19:29.500 --> 00:19:30.019 mighty tree. 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.600 Even with persecution, 00:19:34.340 --> 00:19:35.400 like from Saul, 00:19:36.039 --> 00:19:37.060 the church continued 00:19:37.060 --> 00:19:38.259 to grow in numbers. 00:19:39.800 --> 00:19:40.800 And even Saul himself 00:19:40.800 --> 00:19:41.320 had the word 00:19:41.320 --> 00:19:42.120 hidden from his heart 00:19:42.120 --> 00:19:43.779 and after his revelation 00:19:43.779 --> 00:19:44.480 on the road, 00:19:45.019 --> 00:19:45.860 became part, 00:19:45.980 --> 00:19:46.900 an integral part, 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:47.539 of the spread 00:19:47.539 --> 00:19:47.860 and growth 00:19:47.860 --> 00:19:48.300 of the kingdom. 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:50.819 But, 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:52.440 even as the numbers 00:19:52.440 --> 00:19:53.259 of Christians grew, 00:19:53.460 --> 00:19:54.099 it was not until 00:19:54.099 --> 00:19:54.980 a Christian became 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:56.079 the emperor of Rome 00:19:56.079 --> 00:19:57.680 that the church 00:19:57.680 --> 00:19:58.940 gained earthly authority 00:19:58.940 --> 00:19:59.539 to exist. 00:20:01.119 --> 00:20:02.659 In the year 313, 00:20:02.879 --> 00:20:03.819 Emperor Constantine 00:20:03.819 --> 00:20:05.200 issued the Edict of Milan, 00:20:05.460 --> 00:20:05.759 granting 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:07.419 to the Christians 00:20:07.419 --> 00:20:08.259 and others 00:20:08.259 --> 00:20:09.480 full authority 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.680 to observe that religion 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:11.879 which each preferred. 00:20:11.880 --> 00:20:14.480 and the Catholic Church 00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:14.880 was born. 00:20:16.360 --> 00:20:17.560 So nearly 300 years 00:20:17.560 --> 00:20:18.780 of growth in numbers, 00:20:19.780 --> 00:20:20.600 crossing physical 00:20:20.600 --> 00:20:21.720 and cultural boundaries 00:20:21.720 --> 00:20:23.140 before the church 00:20:23.140 --> 00:20:24.000 became accepted 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:24.680 by the world. 00:20:26.720 --> 00:20:27.740 So it begs the question, 00:20:27.860 --> 00:20:28.780 how do we consider 00:20:28.780 --> 00:20:29.800 the growth of the church? 00:20:29.799 --> 00:20:32.440 Do we merely think 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:33.879 of the breadth of growth, 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:34.579 the numbers, 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:35.960 people coming through 00:20:35.960 --> 00:20:36.279 the door 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:37.159 and the bums on seats? 00:20:37.940 --> 00:20:38.740 Is the church 00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:39.619 growing successfully 00:20:39.619 --> 00:20:40.759 if we run out of seats 00:20:40.759 --> 00:20:41.720 and run out of car parks 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:42.839 and we need to keep expanding? 00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:46.299 We've touched on 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:47.200 the message of the Sermon 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:47.500 on the Mount 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.680 from chapter 5 of Matthew 00:20:48.680 --> 00:20:50.539 where Jesus reveals 00:20:50.539 --> 00:20:51.119 that the kingdom 00:20:51.119 --> 00:20:52.200 was a matter of 00:20:52.200 --> 00:20:53.240 reorientation 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:54.440 of a person's heart. 00:20:56.379 --> 00:20:57.599 Now this concept 00:20:57.599 --> 00:20:58.680 is so at odds 00:20:58.680 --> 00:20:59.599 with society's 00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:01.079 drive for confident success 00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:02.719 that the world 00:21:02.719 --> 00:21:03.759 is unable to see 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:04.679 the growth of the kingdom 00:21:04.679 --> 00:21:07.059 or even consider 00:21:07.059 --> 00:21:08.719 that a decline 00:21:08.719 --> 00:21:09.299 in numbers 00:21:09.299 --> 00:21:10.179 in the church 00:21:10.179 --> 00:21:11.959 may in fact 00:21:11.959 --> 00:21:13.159 be the church 00:21:13.159 --> 00:21:13.679 growing 00:21:13.679 --> 00:21:14.839 in deeper 00:21:14.839 --> 00:21:16.139 love and understanding 00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:17.339 through refining 00:21:17.339 --> 00:21:17.980 of the people 00:21:17.980 --> 00:21:18.699 who are turning up 00:21:18.699 --> 00:21:19.219 every week. 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:23.740 What do the apostles 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:24.919 consider to be growth? 00:21:26.079 --> 00:21:27.639 In Ephesians chapter 4 00:21:27.639 --> 00:21:28.859 verses 15 and 16 00:21:28.859 --> 00:21:30.259 Paul talks of 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:31.019 growing up 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:31.779 in every way 00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:32.459 into him 00:21:32.459 --> 00:21:33.099 who is the head 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:33.979 into Christ 00:21:33.979 --> 00:21:35.699 so that when each part 00:21:35.699 --> 00:21:36.619 is working properly 00:21:36.619 --> 00:21:37.899 it makes the body 00:21:37.899 --> 00:21:39.000 grow so that it 00:21:39.000 --> 00:21:39.839 builds itself up 00:21:39.839 --> 00:21:40.299 in love. 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:44.219 In Philippians chapter 1 00:21:44.219 --> 00:21:44.979 verse 9 and 10 00:21:44.979 --> 00:21:46.399 Paul prays 00:21:46.399 --> 00:21:47.099 that their love 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:47.659 may abound 00:21:47.659 --> 00:21:48.539 more and more 00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:49.399 with knowledge 00:21:49.399 --> 00:21:50.559 and all discernment. 00:21:51.939 --> 00:21:53.039 Or in 1 Thessalonians 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:53.819 chapter 1 verse 3 00:21:53.819 --> 00:21:54.939 Paul gives thanks 00:21:54.939 --> 00:21:55.319 to God 00:21:55.319 --> 00:21:56.119 for their faith 00:21:56.119 --> 00:21:57.579 growing abundantly 00:21:57.579 --> 00:21:58.639 and the love 00:21:58.639 --> 00:21:59.799 of every one of you 00:21:59.799 --> 00:22:00.399 for one another 00:22:00.399 --> 00:22:01.159 is increasing. 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:03.779 Or Peter 00:22:03.779 --> 00:22:04.679 the final words 00:22:04.679 --> 00:22:05.220 of 2 Peter 00:22:05.220 --> 00:22:06.599 chapter 3 00:22:06.599 --> 00:22:07.159 verse 18 00:22:07.160 --> 00:22:08.160 Amen. 00:22:08.560 --> 00:22:09.259 But grow 00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:10.200 in the grace 00:22:10.200 --> 00:22:10.759 and knowledge 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:11.540 of our Lord 00:22:11.540 --> 00:22:12.120 and Saviour 00:22:12.120 --> 00:22:12.880 Jesus Christ 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:14.680 to him be the glory 00:22:14.680 --> 00:22:15.540 both now 00:22:15.540 --> 00:22:16.440 and to the day 00:22:16.440 --> 00:22:17.019 of eternity. 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:18.180 Amen. 00:22:19.680 --> 00:22:20.680 In all these 00:22:20.680 --> 00:22:21.820 prayers of growth 00:22:21.820 --> 00:22:23.080 it is not about 00:22:23.080 --> 00:22:24.080 numbers. 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.279 The growth 00:22:26.279 --> 00:22:26.820 of the saints 00:22:26.820 --> 00:22:27.279 and the growth 00:22:27.279 --> 00:22:28.019 of the church 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:28.880 is measured 00:22:28.880 --> 00:22:29.560 in depth 00:22:29.560 --> 00:22:30.220 of understanding 00:22:30.220 --> 00:22:30.820 and knowledge. 00:22:32.100 --> 00:22:32.300 Growth 00:22:32.300 --> 00:22:32.800 is shown 00:22:32.800 --> 00:22:33.560 by increasing 00:22:33.560 --> 00:22:34.160 love 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:35.420 for one another 00:22:35.420 --> 00:22:37.160 so that the church 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:38.500 builds itself up. 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:40.700 As we grow 00:22:40.700 --> 00:22:41.320 in faith 00:22:41.320 --> 00:22:42.019 we grow 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:42.500 in love. 00:22:43.140 --> 00:22:43.660 As we grow 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:44.180 in love 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:44.980 the church 00:22:44.980 --> 00:22:45.420 is lifted 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:46.480 and God 00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:47.120 is glorified. 00:22:49.120 --> 00:22:50.100 With the seed 00:22:50.100 --> 00:22:50.620 of the kingdom 00:22:50.620 --> 00:22:51.600 planted in us 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:52.700 God guarantees 00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:53.720 that we will grow 00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:55.620 and the sign 00:22:55.620 --> 00:22:56.060 of growth 00:22:56.060 --> 00:22:57.259 is increased 00:22:57.259 --> 00:22:57.640 love. 00:22:59.820 --> 00:23:00.540 So how 00:23:00.540 --> 00:23:01.080 are we growing? 00:23:02.200 --> 00:23:02.700 How are we 00:23:02.700 --> 00:23:03.420 growing individually? 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:04.759 How are we growing 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:05.400 as a church? 00:23:07.900 --> 00:23:08.380 Christianity 00:23:08.380 --> 00:23:09.060 has spread 00:23:09.060 --> 00:23:09.660 a long way 00:23:09.660 --> 00:23:10.220 from its humble 00:23:10.220 --> 00:23:10.660 beginnings. 00:23:11.880 --> 00:23:12.700 The church 00:23:12.700 --> 00:23:13.160 has crossed 00:23:13.160 --> 00:23:13.640 political, 00:23:14.180 --> 00:23:14.460 cultural, 00:23:14.660 --> 00:23:15.440 physical barriers 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:16.019 to extend 00:23:16.019 --> 00:23:16.779 over almost 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:17.300 all the surface 00:23:17.300 --> 00:23:17.740 of the earth 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:19.340 and it continues 00:23:19.340 --> 00:23:19.840 to spread. 00:23:21.960 --> 00:23:22.720 How can we 00:23:22.720 --> 00:23:23.300 help grow 00:23:23.300 --> 00:23:23.680 the kingdom 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:24.240 in the world? 00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:26.580 Not just 00:23:26.580 --> 00:23:27.580 in bringing 00:23:27.580 --> 00:23:28.259 numbers in 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:29.779 but helping 00:23:29.779 --> 00:23:30.460 them to grow 00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:31.180 in knowledge 00:23:31.180 --> 00:23:32.259 and discernment. 00:23:32.900 --> 00:23:33.300 Helping them 00:23:33.299 --> 00:23:33.960 to abound 00:23:33.960 --> 00:23:34.559 more and more 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:35.039 in love 00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:36.000 one for another. 00:23:37.419 --> 00:23:38.059 How do we 00:23:38.059 --> 00:23:38.700 help the body 00:23:38.700 --> 00:23:39.599 build itself 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:40.220 up in love? 00:23:43.659 --> 00:23:44.299 What are the 00:23:44.299 --> 00:23:44.980 aspects of our 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:45.480 kingdom lives 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:46.200 that we feel 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:46.680 are insignificant? 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:49.200 Perhaps we think 00:23:49.200 --> 00:23:49.819 it's insignificant 00:23:49.819 --> 00:23:50.599 to give money 00:23:50.599 --> 00:23:51.119 to support 00:23:51.119 --> 00:23:51.619 that missionary. 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:53.559 No one knows 00:23:53.559 --> 00:23:53.980 we do it. 00:23:54.599 --> 00:23:55.359 We don't gain 00:23:55.359 --> 00:23:56.220 any glory for it. 00:23:56.220 --> 00:23:59.400 maybe it's 00:23:59.400 --> 00:24:00.000 insignificant 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:01.360 to provide 00:24:01.360 --> 00:24:01.700 a meal 00:24:01.700 --> 00:24:02.279 to that person 00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:02.720 in need. 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:04.559 It's just a meal 00:24:04.559 --> 00:24:04.920 I was already 00:24:04.920 --> 00:24:05.400 cooking one 00:24:05.400 --> 00:24:05.920 little bit extra 00:24:05.920 --> 00:24:06.339 it's easy. 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:08.839 Or maybe 00:24:08.839 --> 00:24:09.579 you think 00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:10.160 it's insignificant 00:24:10.160 --> 00:24:10.860 to cross 00:24:10.860 --> 00:24:12.079 age or cultural 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:12.480 boundaries 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:13.319 to have 00:24:13.319 --> 00:24:13.860 conversations 00:24:13.860 --> 00:24:14.319 with other 00:24:14.319 --> 00:24:14.759 members of 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:15.079 our church. 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:19.019 All of 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:19.620 these things 00:24:19.620 --> 00:24:20.120 which seem 00:24:20.120 --> 00:24:20.920 insignificant to 00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:21.380 the world 00:24:21.380 --> 00:24:22.839 are building 00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:23.279 each other 00:24:23.279 --> 00:24:23.939 up in love. 00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:27.859 Does it 00:24:27.859 --> 00:24:28.359 seem to you 00:24:28.359 --> 00:24:28.720 that the 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:28.899 kingdom 00:24:28.899 --> 00:24:29.679 shines brighter 00:24:29.679 --> 00:24:30.059 to us 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:30.959 when you 00:24:30.959 --> 00:24:31.399 see people 00:24:31.399 --> 00:24:32.019 from all 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:32.519 backgrounds 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:33.899 all cultures 00:24:33.899 --> 00:24:35.220 affected the 00:24:35.220 --> 00:24:35.839 same way 00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:36.779 of the same 00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.240 words 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:38.179 to be called 00:24:38.179 --> 00:24:38.819 to the same 00:24:38.819 --> 00:24:39.480 kingdom home? 00:24:42.740 --> 00:24:42.919 You see 00:24:42.919 --> 00:24:43.519 God is doing 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:44.159 his work. 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:45.559 It's hidden 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:46.899 but it's 00:24:46.899 --> 00:24:47.339 powerful 00:24:47.339 --> 00:24:48.799 and it 00:24:48.799 --> 00:24:49.319 permeates 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:50.059 all aspects 00:24:50.059 --> 00:24:50.619 of life. 00:24:50.619 --> 00:24:53.459 Let's go 00:24:53.459 --> 00:24:53.679 now to 00:24:53.679 --> 00:24:54.279 verse 33 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:55.839 of Matthew 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:56.579 chapter 13 00:24:56.579 --> 00:24:57.019 no longer 00:24:57.019 --> 00:24:57.459 Ezekiel. 00:25:00.719 --> 00:25:01.599 He told 00:25:01.599 --> 00:25:02.659 them another 00:25:02.659 --> 00:25:03.039 parable. 00:25:04.619 --> 00:25:04.959 The kingdom 00:25:04.959 --> 00:25:05.519 of heaven 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:06.159 is like a 00:25:06.159 --> 00:25:06.619 leaven that 00:25:06.619 --> 00:25:07.259 a woman hid 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:07.779 in three 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:08.219 measures of 00:25:08.219 --> 00:25:08.559 flour 00:25:08.559 --> 00:25:09.259 till it 00:25:09.259 --> 00:25:09.519 was all 00:25:09.519 --> 00:25:09.939 leavened. 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.000 As Marty 00:25:13.000 --> 00:25:13.439 described with 00:25:13.439 --> 00:25:13.779 the kids 00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:14.599 talk, that 00:25:14.599 --> 00:25:15.219 small batch 00:25:15.219 --> 00:25:15.519 of yeast 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.219 has a huge 00:25:16.219 --> 00:25:16.719 effect on 00:25:16.719 --> 00:25:17.000 the whole 00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:17.279 dough. 00:25:19.359 --> 00:25:19.559 Now 00:25:19.559 --> 00:25:19.939 typically 00:25:19.940 --> 00:25:20.799 biblically 00:25:20.799 --> 00:25:21.519 we associate 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:22.299 yeast 00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:23.500 with the 00:25:23.500 --> 00:25:24.000 pervasiveness 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:24.539 of sin, 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:25.559 the way 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:25.940 that one 00:25:25.940 --> 00:25:26.440 small thing 00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:26.880 gets in 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:27.720 and invades 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:28.140 our whole 00:25:28.140 --> 00:25:28.580 lives. 00:25:29.420 --> 00:25:30.000 But it's 00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:30.600 not exclusively 00:25:30.600 --> 00:25:31.180 used to 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:32.279 represent evil 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:32.779 or bad 00:25:32.779 --> 00:25:33.160 or sin 00:25:33.160 --> 00:25:33.440 in the 00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:33.660 Bible. 00:25:34.820 --> 00:25:35.299 Leavened 00:25:35.299 --> 00:25:35.799 bread itself 00:25:35.799 --> 00:25:36.420 is specifically 00:25:36.420 --> 00:25:37.019 called for 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:37.259 in the 00:25:37.259 --> 00:25:37.880 sacrifice of 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:38.100 peace 00:25:38.100 --> 00:25:38.420 offerings 00:25:38.420 --> 00:25:39.360 and in 00:25:39.360 --> 00:25:39.700 the Feast 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:40.340 of Weeks, 00:25:40.700 --> 00:25:41.059 both from 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:41.519 Leviticus. 00:25:42.960 --> 00:25:43.180 Leavened 00:25:43.180 --> 00:25:43.440 is not 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:44.059 universally 00:25:44.059 --> 00:25:44.580 bad in 00:25:44.580 --> 00:25:44.980 the Bible. 00:25:46.620 --> 00:25:47.259 There is 00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:47.720 the concept 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.299 that Israel 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:49.180 left Egypt 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:49.640 without 00:25:49.640 --> 00:25:49.980 leaven 00:25:49.980 --> 00:25:50.940 as symbolic 00:25:50.940 --> 00:25:51.299 of them 00:25:51.299 --> 00:25:52.039 leaving behind 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:52.920 all ties 00:25:52.920 --> 00:25:53.220 to the 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:53.820 slave nation 00:25:53.820 --> 00:25:54.700 and would 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:55.220 make roots 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:55.680 as a new 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:56.039 nation, 00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.220 right down 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:57.500 to the 00:25:57.500 --> 00:25:57.820 intrinsic 00:25:57.820 --> 00:25:58.360 constituents 00:25:58.360 --> 00:25:58.620 of their 00:25:58.620 --> 00:25:58.840 bread. 00:26:00.940 --> 00:26:01.600 I had to 00:26:01.600 --> 00:26:01.940 dig a little 00:26:01.940 --> 00:26:02.400 deeper in 00:26:02.400 --> 00:26:02.660 this to 00:26:02.660 --> 00:26:03.240 understand the 00:26:03.240 --> 00:26:03.539 difference 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:04.259 between yeast 00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:05.340 like Marty 00:26:05.340 --> 00:26:05.740 showed us 00:26:05.740 --> 00:26:05.960 with the 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:06.299 kids and 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:06.680 that fine 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:08.120 powder and 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:08.539 what a 00:26:08.539 --> 00:26:08.940 leaven would 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:09.340 have been 00:26:09.340 --> 00:26:09.900 to the 00:26:09.900 --> 00:26:10.140 original 00:26:10.140 --> 00:26:10.519 listeners. 00:26:12.400 --> 00:26:12.880 Now 00:26:12.880 --> 00:26:14.000 at that 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:14.560 day yeast 00:26:14.560 --> 00:26:14.980 leaven 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.700 it's all 00:26:15.700 --> 00:26:16.060 the same 00:26:16.060 --> 00:26:16.360 thing. 00:26:16.359 --> 00:26:17.099 We see 00:26:17.099 --> 00:26:17.419 a physical 00:26:17.419 --> 00:26:17.779 difference 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.179 because we 00:26:18.179 --> 00:26:19.039 have new 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:19.539 technology 00:26:19.539 --> 00:26:20.159 and through 00:26:20.159 --> 00:26:20.439 different 00:26:20.439 --> 00:26:20.939 processes 00:26:20.939 --> 00:26:22.179 through the 00:26:22.179 --> 00:26:23.099 1600s we 00:26:23.099 --> 00:26:23.819 discovered yeast 00:26:23.819 --> 00:26:24.379 as a dried 00:26:24.379 --> 00:26:25.019 yeast extract. 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.559 But leaven 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:28.639 in this 00:26:28.639 --> 00:26:29.019 parable 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:29.719 refers to 00:26:29.719 --> 00:26:30.299 something akin 00:26:30.299 --> 00:26:30.919 to a 00:26:30.919 --> 00:26:31.439 sourdough 00:26:31.439 --> 00:26:31.979 starter 00:26:31.979 --> 00:26:33.319 where you 00:26:33.319 --> 00:26:33.659 have 00:26:33.659 --> 00:26:35.119 the 00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:37.179 flour 00:26:37.179 --> 00:26:37.699 and the 00:26:37.699 --> 00:26:38.019 water 00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:39.419 catching 00:26:39.419 --> 00:26:40.000 natural 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:40.359 yeast 00:26:40.359 --> 00:26:40.799 extracts 00:26:40.799 --> 00:26:40.979 in the 00:26:40.979 --> 00:26:41.279 atmosphere 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:41.899 mixing 00:26:41.900 --> 00:26:42.720 probiotics. 00:26:44.580 --> 00:26:45.200 I think 00:26:45.200 --> 00:26:45.680 that helps 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:45.920 us to 00:26:45.920 --> 00:26:46.560 understand 00:26:46.560 --> 00:26:47.259 if we 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:47.560 understand 00:26:47.560 --> 00:26:47.920 what leaven 00:26:47.920 --> 00:26:48.300 was in 00:26:48.300 --> 00:26:48.940 that context 00:26:48.940 --> 00:26:49.759 it opens 00:26:49.759 --> 00:26:50.180 us a 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:50.460 deeper 00:26:50.460 --> 00:26:50.940 understanding 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:51.259 of the 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:51.500 kingdom. 00:26:53.360 --> 00:26:53.840 Leaven's 00:26:53.840 --> 00:26:54.320 not something 00:26:54.320 --> 00:26:54.820 we can 00:26:54.820 --> 00:26:55.280 simply take 00:26:55.280 --> 00:26:55.600 from a 00:26:55.600 --> 00:26:56.040 packet like 00:26:56.040 --> 00:26:56.519 Marty did. 00:26:57.759 --> 00:26:58.160 We can't 00:26:58.160 --> 00:26:58.560 just take 00:26:58.560 --> 00:26:58.860 this little 00:26:58.860 --> 00:26:59.140 thing and 00:26:59.140 --> 00:26:59.500 sprinkle it 00:26:59.500 --> 00:26:59.740 in and 00:26:59.740 --> 00:26:59.960 it will 00:26:59.960 --> 00:27:00.380 rise. 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:02.780 Leaven is 00:27:02.780 --> 00:27:03.280 something that 00:27:03.280 --> 00:27:04.340 came before 00:27:04.340 --> 00:27:05.360 it was 00:27:05.360 --> 00:27:05.880 established 00:27:05.880 --> 00:27:06.480 before our 00:27:06.480 --> 00:27:07.620 time that 00:27:07.620 --> 00:27:08.240 is cultivated 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:09.259 and grows 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:10.220 and can be 00:27:10.220 --> 00:27:11.100 used over 00:27:11.100 --> 00:27:11.440 and over 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:11.880 again 00:27:11.880 --> 00:27:13.400 long after 00:27:13.400 --> 00:27:13.600 we're 00:27:13.600 --> 00:27:13.880 gone. 00:27:16.240 --> 00:27:16.940 Leaven is 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:17.660 kept by the 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:18.080 bread maker 00:27:18.080 --> 00:27:18.440 of each 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:18.920 family 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:19.980 in Jesus' 00:27:20.100 --> 00:27:20.720 parable times 00:27:20.720 --> 00:27:21.580 and a 00:27:21.580 --> 00:27:22.000 portion is 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:22.380 added to 00:27:22.380 --> 00:27:22.920 each batch 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:23.299 of dough 00:27:23.299 --> 00:27:23.759 to make 00:27:23.759 --> 00:27:24.259 it rise. 00:27:26.160 --> 00:27:26.860 So as 00:27:26.860 --> 00:27:27.360 Christians, 00:27:27.799 --> 00:27:28.799 as believers, 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:29.420 as saints, 00:27:29.580 --> 00:27:30.019 we need to 00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:30.380 let the 00:27:30.380 --> 00:27:30.779 word of 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.019 God 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:31.680 permeate 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:31.920 throughout 00:27:31.920 --> 00:27:32.380 entire 00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:32.880 lives. 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:34.880 Just as 00:27:34.880 --> 00:27:35.580 leaven affects 00:27:35.580 --> 00:27:36.180 the entire 00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:36.660 batch of 00:27:36.660 --> 00:27:36.920 dough, 00:27:37.539 --> 00:27:37.960 so should 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:38.279 the word 00:27:38.279 --> 00:27:38.600 of God 00:27:38.600 --> 00:27:39.420 affect all 00:27:39.420 --> 00:27:39.980 aspects of 00:27:39.980 --> 00:27:40.320 life, 00:27:40.319 --> 00:27:41.659 shaping our 00:27:41.659 --> 00:27:42.339 identity as 00:27:42.339 --> 00:27:42.779 members of 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:43.019 God's 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:43.220 kingdom. 00:27:45.480 --> 00:27:46.240 The growth 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:46.480 that we 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:46.799 have looked 00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:47.159 at in 00:27:47.159 --> 00:27:47.559 terms of 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:47.919 love, 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:48.960 understanding, 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:49.939 knowledge, 00:27:50.379 --> 00:27:50.919 discernment, 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:52.299 these are 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:52.919 the signs of 00:27:52.919 --> 00:27:53.299 the kingdom 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:54.079 permeating our 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:54.480 lives. 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.259 I can name 00:27:57.259 --> 00:27:57.819 four main 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:58.279 aspects of 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:58.759 my life, 00:27:59.419 --> 00:27:59.759 work, 00:28:00.339 --> 00:28:00.679 family, 00:28:01.339 --> 00:28:01.679 church, 00:28:02.359 --> 00:28:02.740 and rugby. 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.619 I name them 00:28:05.619 --> 00:28:06.039 as the four 00:28:06.039 --> 00:28:06.480 main aspects 00:28:06.480 --> 00:28:06.919 because that's 00:28:06.919 --> 00:28:07.319 the basic 00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:07.839 divisions of 00:28:07.839 --> 00:28:08.359 time in my 00:28:08.359 --> 00:28:08.639 week. 00:28:08.640 --> 00:28:08.680 work. 00:28:10.280 --> 00:28:10.560 And it's 00:28:10.560 --> 00:28:11.020 easy for us 00:28:11.020 --> 00:28:11.900 to compartmentalise 00:28:11.900 --> 00:28:12.300 the different 00:28:12.300 --> 00:28:12.720 aspects of 00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:13.200 our lives. 00:28:14.880 --> 00:28:16.140 Work doesn't 00:28:16.140 --> 00:28:16.500 spill into 00:28:16.500 --> 00:28:16.860 family. 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:19.280 Rugby doesn't 00:28:19.280 --> 00:28:19.660 spill into 00:28:19.660 --> 00:28:20.020 work or 00:28:20.020 --> 00:28:20.300 family, 00:28:20.460 --> 00:28:20.800 and work 00:28:20.800 --> 00:28:21.180 and family 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:21.560 don't spill 00:28:21.560 --> 00:28:21.980 into rugby. 00:28:22.540 --> 00:28:22.900 Everything 00:28:22.900 --> 00:28:23.380 neatly in 00:28:23.380 --> 00:28:23.640 its little 00:28:23.640 --> 00:28:23.940 box. 00:28:25.420 --> 00:28:25.820 Church 00:28:25.820 --> 00:28:26.759 really doesn't 00:28:26.759 --> 00:28:27.100 spill into 00:28:27.100 --> 00:28:27.440 any of 00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:27.560 them. 00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:29.680 We find it 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:30.160 easy to 00:28:30.160 --> 00:28:30.440 live as 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:30.820 members of 00:28:30.820 --> 00:28:31.140 the kingdom 00:28:31.140 --> 00:28:31.940 when surrounded 00:28:31.940 --> 00:28:32.440 by other 00:28:32.440 --> 00:28:33.100 members of 00:28:33.100 --> 00:28:33.400 the kingdom, 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:34.660 but much 00:28:34.660 --> 00:28:35.900 harder when 00:28:35.900 --> 00:28:36.540 surrounded by 00:28:36.540 --> 00:28:36.960 the things of 00:28:36.960 --> 00:28:37.340 this world. 00:28:38.640 --> 00:28:40.280 But that's 00:28:40.280 --> 00:28:40.860 not what the 00:28:40.860 --> 00:28:41.240 kingdom of 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:41.480 God is 00:28:41.480 --> 00:28:41.820 like. 00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:43.780 When I have 00:28:43.780 --> 00:28:44.220 the word of 00:28:44.220 --> 00:28:44.620 God in my 00:28:44.620 --> 00:28:46.120 heart, it 00:28:46.120 --> 00:28:46.820 will permeate 00:28:46.820 --> 00:28:47.480 all aspects 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:48.140 of my life. 00:28:48.820 --> 00:28:49.080 It will 00:28:49.080 --> 00:28:49.800 dissolve my 00:28:49.800 --> 00:28:50.460 autonomy of 00:28:50.460 --> 00:28:51.200 self and 00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:52.500 restore the 00:28:52.500 --> 00:28:53.060 sovereignty of 00:28:53.060 --> 00:28:53.320 God. 00:28:54.680 --> 00:28:55.560 God spills 00:28:55.560 --> 00:28:55.980 into my 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:57.120 family, into 00:28:57.120 --> 00:28:58.620 my work, and 00:28:58.620 --> 00:28:59.280 even into my 00:28:59.280 --> 00:28:59.520 rugby. 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:01.800 As the word 00:29:01.800 --> 00:29:02.080 of God 00:29:02.080 --> 00:29:02.880 permeates into 00:29:02.880 --> 00:29:05.000 my life, the 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:05.759 kingdom will 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:06.560 overflow into 00:29:06.560 --> 00:29:07.220 everything that 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:07.540 I do. 00:29:08.640 --> 00:29:11.040 it's okay that 00:29:11.040 --> 00:29:11.660 Christianity is 00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:12.220 not the 00:29:12.220 --> 00:29:12.780 focus or 00:29:12.780 --> 00:29:13.140 front of 00:29:13.140 --> 00:29:13.460 mind of 00:29:13.460 --> 00:29:13.860 the world. 00:29:15.080 --> 00:29:15.440 God's 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:16.040 kingdom will 00:29:16.040 --> 00:29:16.780 permeate the 00:29:16.780 --> 00:29:17.620 whole world and 00:29:17.620 --> 00:29:18.440 be known and 00:29:18.440 --> 00:29:19.120 acknowledged by 00:29:19.120 --> 00:29:19.400 all. 00:29:21.040 --> 00:29:21.759 God's kingdom 00:29:21.759 --> 00:29:22.580 is different to 00:29:22.580 --> 00:29:22.920 the world. 00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:23.440 It has 00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:24.080 different values. 00:29:25.180 --> 00:29:25.720 We cannot 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:26.360 rate them the 00:29:26.360 --> 00:29:26.900 same way. 00:29:28.540 --> 00:29:28.880 And God 00:29:28.880 --> 00:29:29.560 will make sure 00:29:29.560 --> 00:29:30.160 that the values 00:29:30.160 --> 00:29:30.660 of the kingdom 00:29:30.660 --> 00:29:31.500 will last 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:32.740 longer than 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:33.660 any worldly 00:29:33.660 --> 00:29:34.160 focus. 00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:35.400 God's 00:29:35.400 --> 00:29:36.160 kingdom is 00:29:36.160 --> 00:29:38.960 different to 00:29:38.960 --> 00:29:39.800 us. 00:29:39.800 --> 00:29:42.140 God's 00:29:42.140 --> 00:29:42.840 perspective of 00:29:42.840 --> 00:29:43.180 the kingdom 00:29:43.180 --> 00:29:43.720 is different 00:29:43.720 --> 00:29:44.240 to ours. 00:29:45.600 --> 00:29:46.060 We need to 00:29:46.060 --> 00:29:46.500 fill our 00:29:46.500 --> 00:29:46.920 hearts with 00:29:46.920 --> 00:29:47.400 his word. 00:29:48.200 --> 00:29:48.500 Let it 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:49.240 permeate to 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:49.980 all areas of 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.980 our lives to 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:51.640 gain some 00:29:51.640 --> 00:29:52.080 level of 00:29:52.080 --> 00:29:53.000 understanding and 00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:54.259 appreciation for 00:29:54.259 --> 00:29:54.779 the perspective 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:55.240 that God 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:55.640 has. 00:29:57.680 --> 00:29:58.440 The kingdom 00:29:58.440 --> 00:29:59.480 today feels 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:01.140 small and 00:30:01.140 --> 00:30:01.640 insignificant. 00:30:02.259 --> 00:30:02.820 All that it's 00:30:02.820 --> 00:30:03.680 been reduced by 00:30:03.680 --> 00:30:04.920 the world in 00:30:04.920 --> 00:30:06.360 physical size or 00:30:06.360 --> 00:30:07.279 social importance. 00:30:09.920 --> 00:30:10.940 But with 00:30:10.940 --> 00:30:11.420 those with 00:30:11.420 --> 00:30:12.200 eyes to see 00:30:12.200 --> 00:30:12.920 and ears to 00:30:12.920 --> 00:30:14.519 hear, God 00:30:14.519 --> 00:30:14.940 is still 00:30:14.940 --> 00:30:15.460 growing his 00:30:15.460 --> 00:30:15.680 kingdom. 00:30:19.799 --> 00:30:20.580 So we need 00:30:20.580 --> 00:30:21.440 to live now 00:30:21.440 --> 00:30:22.860 but in 00:30:22.860 --> 00:30:23.440 respect of 00:30:23.440 --> 00:30:23.740 the not 00:30:23.740 --> 00:30:23.960 yet. 00:30:25.920 --> 00:30:26.620 We've seen 00:30:26.620 --> 00:30:26.880 that the 00:30:26.880 --> 00:30:27.259 tree will 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:27.560 grow. 00:30:28.340 --> 00:30:28.840 We've seen 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:29.080 that the 00:30:29.080 --> 00:30:29.420 bread will 00:30:29.420 --> 00:30:29.880 rise. 00:30:31.180 --> 00:30:31.940 Will you? 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:35.880 We feel 00:30:35.880 --> 00:30:36.440 that tension 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:36.840 that we're 00:30:36.840 --> 00:30:37.660 encouraged by 00:30:37.660 --> 00:30:38.380 seeing and 00:30:38.380 --> 00:30:38.799 feeling the 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.120 growth of 00:30:39.120 --> 00:30:39.500 the kingdom 00:30:39.500 --> 00:30:41.860 and the 00:30:41.860 --> 00:30:42.360 way that the 00:30:42.360 --> 00:30:42.880 world treats 00:30:42.880 --> 00:30:43.120 it as 00:30:43.120 --> 00:30:43.340 something 00:30:43.340 --> 00:30:43.860 insignificant. 00:30:46.019 --> 00:30:46.700 So even 00:30:46.700 --> 00:30:47.140 though the 00:30:47.140 --> 00:30:47.620 growth of the 00:30:47.620 --> 00:30:48.019 kingdom is 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.700 guaranteed by 00:30:48.700 --> 00:30:50.560 God, we 00:30:50.560 --> 00:30:50.980 are still 00:30:50.980 --> 00:30:51.720 living in the 00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:52.320 mustard seed of 00:30:52.320 --> 00:30:52.680 the kingdom. 00:30:54.019 --> 00:30:55.039 It is only at 00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:56.000 the end that 00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:56.460 the mature 00:30:56.460 --> 00:30:57.240 conclusion of 00:30:57.240 --> 00:30:57.820 the kingdom be 00:30:57.820 --> 00:30:59.100 displayed for 00:30:59.099 --> 00:30:59.439 all of 00:30:59.439 --> 00:30:59.919 creation to 00:30:59.919 --> 00:31:00.159 see. 00:31:02.699 --> 00:31:03.359 As in the 00:31:03.359 --> 00:31:03.799 parable of 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:04.059 the weeds, 00:31:04.139 --> 00:31:04.639 it is at 00:31:04.639 --> 00:31:05.459 the harvest 00:31:05.459 --> 00:31:06.099 that the 00:31:06.099 --> 00:31:06.579 true members 00:31:06.579 --> 00:31:06.819 of the 00:31:06.819 --> 00:31:07.219 kingdom will 00:31:07.219 --> 00:31:07.759 be revealed. 00:31:09.799 --> 00:31:10.419 So how 00:31:10.419 --> 00:31:10.980 do we live 00:31:10.980 --> 00:31:12.579 now in 00:31:12.579 --> 00:31:13.439 respect to 00:31:13.439 --> 00:31:13.859 that future 00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:14.199 time? 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:17.299 If we 00:31:17.299 --> 00:31:17.839 measure God's 00:31:17.839 --> 00:31:18.279 idea of 00:31:18.279 --> 00:31:18.919 growth properly 00:31:18.919 --> 00:31:20.159 as internal 00:31:20.159 --> 00:31:20.980 character change, 00:31:21.599 --> 00:31:22.240 people of all 00:31:22.240 --> 00:31:23.019 cultures coming 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:23.559 to nest in 00:31:23.559 --> 00:31:25.699 Jesus, then 00:31:25.699 --> 00:31:26.199 the worldly 00:31:26.199 --> 00:31:26.779 measures of 00:31:26.779 --> 00:31:27.899 success make 00:31:27.900 --> 00:31:28.400 it look weak 00:31:28.400 --> 00:31:28.820 and pathetic. 00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:31.280 But we 00:31:31.280 --> 00:31:32.519 will see the 00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:33.280 glory of 00:31:33.280 --> 00:31:33.860 God that is 00:31:33.860 --> 00:31:34.680 building and 00:31:34.680 --> 00:31:36.060 growing, God's 00:31:36.060 --> 00:31:36.940 word permeating 00:31:36.940 --> 00:31:37.580 all of a 00:31:37.580 --> 00:31:38.840 person and 00:31:38.840 --> 00:31:39.480 all cultures 00:31:39.480 --> 00:31:40.040 of the world. 00:31:41.320 --> 00:31:42.060 If we 00:31:42.060 --> 00:31:42.920 believe this, 00:31:43.600 --> 00:31:44.000 we will 00:31:44.000 --> 00:31:44.860 embrace being 00:31:44.860 --> 00:31:45.380 seen as 00:31:45.380 --> 00:31:46.040 insignificant in 00:31:46.040 --> 00:31:46.420 the eyes of 00:31:46.420 --> 00:31:47.680 the world and 00:31:47.680 --> 00:31:48.400 being part of 00:31:48.400 --> 00:31:49.800 Jesus' mission in 00:31:49.800 --> 00:31:50.180 seemingly 00:31:50.180 --> 00:31:51.300 insignificant ways. 00:31:53.180 --> 00:31:55.560 So as we 00:31:55.560 --> 00:31:56.060 go into this 00:31:56.060 --> 00:31:56.340 week, 00:31:56.339 --> 00:31:58.480 how will 00:31:58.480 --> 00:31:59.019 you feel 00:31:59.019 --> 00:31:59.699 when we 00:31:59.699 --> 00:32:00.039 are called 00:32:00.039 --> 00:32:00.639 by God 00:32:00.639 --> 00:32:01.279 to place 00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:01.619 all our 00:32:01.619 --> 00:32:01.919 hope, 00:32:02.839 --> 00:32:03.240 all our 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:03.740 identity, 00:32:04.579 --> 00:32:04.799 and all 00:32:04.799 --> 00:32:05.299 our eternal 00:32:05.299 --> 00:32:07.139 self in the 00:32:07.139 --> 00:32:07.639 smallest of 00:32:07.639 --> 00:32:08.039 the seeds? 00:32:08.039 --> 00:32:21.180 , from the 00:32:21.180 --> 00:32:21.659 same 00:32:21.659 --> 00:32:24.059 looked at 00:32:24.059 --> 00:32:26.099 his 00:32:26.259 --> 00:32:26.659 other 00:32:26.659 --> 00:32:26.960 weaknesses, 00:32:26.960 --> 00:32:27.700 and all 00:32:27.700 --> 00:32:27.879 through the 00:32:27.879 --> 00:32:28.519 number of 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:29.420 wonders.