Matthew 13:31-35

Matthew 13:31-35

Quality Impact

I. God’s Kingdom only bears high quality fruit through faithful sources; so we must be looking and listening for the right thing (Vv. 34-35)

a. Jesus speaks in parables to share eternal truth in a way which better illuminates it for those genuinely seeking it, and conceals it from those who are seeking the wrong thing. Many came that day seeking the benefits of triumphant political and military kingdom, or to have all their material needs met, but that isn’t what Jesus came to do then or now, so they couldn’t understand what He was really saying and doing. People seek the wrong sources and listen to the wrong things because they desire to get what they want the easiest way possible on their own terms, and not according to the terms set forth in God’s Word. But ultimately those are the terms by which all will be measured. We must continually ask God to give us ears to hear, and eyes to see, that we might receive the message He’s sending. (Vv. 34-35; 1 Kings 8:56-61; Ps. 78:1-3; Isa. 6:8-10; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 8:17-18)

II. God’s Kingdom only bears high quality fruit through faithful sources; so we must remember that God doesn’t require large size for a large impact (v. 33)

a. God has consistently done the grandest things through the least likely means, and accomplished the most powerful feats through those who are weakest, because it most glorifies Him. The parable of the leaven is not about how God intends to conquer the globe through Christianity, it’s about how God’s Kingdom, even if very small, has exceedingly powerful qualities, which impacts the qualities of the world around it. Just as Jesus compared His church to salt and light, both of which, in amazingly small amounts have amazingly large impacts, so the church is like leaven, a small amount of which, when worked thoroughly into dough through folding, turning, kneading, and pushing it in, leavens a large quantity. As Christians, we’re more in the minority today, and more mindful than ever of how others will react when we naturally exalt the Name of Christ among them; or surprised and delighted when we happen upon a likeminded co-worker, acquaintance, or extended family member. Often our mindset is that we need to obtain a majority in order to make a Kingdom impact. But that’s not what the leaven, and the salt, and the light tell us. We’re to be salt, light, and leaven in the world because people desperately need the seasoning, illumination, and rising that only Christ provides. If salt stays in its container it has no impact. If light is hidden away, it has no impact. If leaven is left in the jar it has no impact, and if it’s not used often enough and fed with flour and water, it stagnates, the culture dies, and it’s useless. God knows what we need, and He knows what the world around us needs, and the parable of the leaven is about trusting God and being faithful to work into the lump that’s the world around us, because there are always others who are more than willing to be bad leaven for the world. (v. 33; Matt. 5:13-16; 16:5-12; Luke 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 5:6)

III. God’s Kingdom only bears high quality fruit through faithful sources; so we must understand that even though it will expand, proper impact always depends on upward and downward growth (Vv. 31-32)

a. The point of the parable of the mustard seed is that while it isn’t the smallest seed on the planet, nor does it grow into a literal tree, mustard has a notoriously small seed which grows into an impressively tall and full bush, capable of feeding, shading, and nesting birds. Just as the seed of plant or tree is a small thing that can have a powerful impact, so the Kingdom of Heaven has small beginnings but can spread a canopy that has great impact. But as the tree grows, its roots must grow deep to match its canopy, or it’ll stop producing fruit and topple over. We must tend to the health of our roots, if our tree is to provide fruit, shad, and rest for others. But we must also tend to the branches which yield fruit. The height and reach of our canopy and fruit isn’t limited by the size of our seed, but only by neglect on our part. No matter how small initially, God’s Kingdom is to grow high and wide and cast its branches, nourishment, shade, and rest over all of our life. The great plant of the Kingdom is small force that is powerfully explosive to change and shape the very environment and climate in which it exists. If we’re a faithfully growing tree, driving our roots deep down in Christ, and letting no obstacle stunt our growth, the impact of our footprint will be discernable. We will see fruit that reflects the quality of the source of life and growth, not because we’re powerful, but because we’re meek and seemingly insignificant people who serve a powerful, eternal, and loving Savior. (Vv. 31-32; Gen. 12:1-3; 22:15-18; Ezek. 17:22-24; Matt. 5:5; 28:18-20; Acts 1:6-8; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; Rev. 7:7-9; 11:15)