“What Things Are Possible” – MARK 4:30-34

Do we underestimate ourselves, or do we underestimate God?

Maybe the answer is some of both, but the result is the same. The Lord’s church is a source of untapped potential … we have untapped potential. It’s not that God cannot do it; it is that we hold something back. I don’t know about you, but I have always considered greatness to be found in other people that I rarely encounter personally. Jesus looks at each of us and sees greatness.

All starts with something (someone, actually) as small as a mustard seed.

These three “seed” parables combine together to paint a glorious picture of what God can do with our faith. He says, “Give me a little, and I’ll make a lot”. As success breeds success, faith breeds faith and God works wonders in us as He grows us by His power.

OK, but what is really possible?

If I am good soil who hears and accepts the word I can bear fruit (Mark 4:20). Even then, I accept that it is God who works in me and produces the bounty (4:28) and not me. Jesus says that out of something as small as a mustard seed great things will come. What great things?

The answer lies in the figure that almost gets lost in the parable of the mustard seed … the birds. Birds are amazing, and seemingly can make their nests in even the smallest tree. Here, they come to nest and rest in the shade of the huge mustard tree that dominates its surroundings. The greatness that God envisions for you in Christ is to become a dominant force in your own circle of influence. Goodness, kindness, peace, joy, love, patience and gentleness (spiritual fruit) attract people in and out of the church.

Through us Jesus can influence the people that our good fruit attracts.

When we envision greatness in the church and our congregation in particular, accept with humility the “little bit” you actually bring to the table and accept with awe the power that God brings. The fruits of unrighteousness push people away from us and we fall away from Christ. The fruits of the spirit, on the other hand, draw people in as we grow closer to Christ. There are no insignificant Christians. The seemingly subtle impact of daily goodness is one of the most powerful forces that Jesus uses in His church to influence the world to His glory.

Oh, what things are possible!