Mark 4:26-29
The Parable of the Growing Seed

²⁶He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. ²⁷Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ²⁹As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."

Here Jesus again uses the picture of a seed growing--something his hearers could easily understand. It is a picture of the kingdom of God--of those who come to believe in Jesus. We hear the word of God, we believe, we grow, and we share his message with others, producing a harvest.

I wonder what type of metaphors Jesus would use in our society today--a less agrarian, more technological one. Could the kingdom of God be like a computer chip--so small yet storing so much information? Somehow, this analogy lacks the idea of growth, though....

Jesus came at the perfect time in history to share his message--a message which is timeless and applicable today. I will strive to grow, share, and eventually, when I am ripe, enter into his eternal kingdom. I hope many other ripe friends will join me.

- posted by Suzi @ 6:51 AM