What Jesus Did! 'Kingdom Growth and Strength' — Mark 4:30-32

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Jesus said, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade."
— Mark 4:30-32 NLT

Key Thought

Mystery and movement were at the heart of Jesus' Kingdom message in our devotional yesterday; today his message is about power and grace. The Kingdom appears small in the face of the world's political and military powers. However, the Kingdom we see is only a seed, not a fully mature shelter. But the Kingdom is growing and will be large enough to furnish safety and security for those who live in its branches. Don't be afraid, dear Kingdom seeker; the God who propels the mustard seed to great growth is at work in his Kingdom to do far greater things than we can ask or imagine. So find your shelter in his Kingdom. All others will pass away, but this one will endure — forever.

Today's Prayer

O Lord my God, how awesome are your works in all the earth. The beauty and diversity of your creation astound me. Yet I realize that as beautiful as this physical world I can see may be, the unseen realm of your Kingdom, majesty, and might are far greater still! Even those bits and glimpses of your Kingdom I experience now are wonderful. I look forward to the day when they are fully visible to all. Until that day, shelter me in the embrace of your Kingdom and grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 1:19-23
  • Ephesians 3:14-21
  • Matthew 6:10

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 4:30-32 NLT — "How can I describe the Kingdom of God?

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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