Luke 13:18-21
It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.
Luke 13:19, NLT

The gospel of Matthew focused our attention on Jesus’ message when He started His ministry. He said, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). That is the focal point of his life and message. All that He taught and did were to focus men on the need to return to God and embrace the new life the kingdom of God offers.

From the parables we read we can see what the kingdom of God is like.

1. The kingdom of God is a seed. When we receive it, it grows because it is a living seed. It grows so that we can influence other people for Christ and the kingdom.
2. It is like leaven. It has influence. Whenever it is allowed in the right environment and given appropriate focus, it will affect others.

How are we doing in this? We have the kingdom of God in us because Christ lives in us. We have the Holy Spirit in us
because we are God’s temple. How much of His nature have we allowed to manifest in and through us? How much have we impacted on other people’s lives for the kingdom? May the Lord help us as we think of these things.

Your Turn

• Thank God for His grace upon your life to influence others and the kingdom for Him.
• Pray for yourself.

Song: This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine.

Further Reading: Matthew 25:1-13.