Ashe Alliance Church
Sunday Service 11.30.25
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  • My First Love
  • Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)
  • Better Than Treasure
  • O Come O Come Emmanuel (Veni Emmanuel)

  • Main Idea

    Slow. Hidden. Unstoppable. That’s how God’s Kingdom grows.
    Last week, we broke down Jesus’ parables and illustrations into three categories:
    1. The Kingdom Begins
    •  A Kingdom Divided (Mark 3:22–30)
    •  Binding the Strong Man (Mark 3:27)
    •  The Sower & the Soils (Mark 4:1–20)
    2. The Kingdom Revealed
    •  The Lamp on a Stand (Mark 4:21–23)
    •  The Measure You Use (Mark 4:24–25)
    3. The Kingdom Grows
    •  The Growing Seed (Mark 4:26–29)
    •  The Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30–34)
    Now that we’ve seen its inception and how it is revealed, let’s complete the series by soaking in the parables about the Kingdom Growth.

    Passage

    Mark 4:26–34 CSB
    26 “The kingdom of God is like this,” he said. “A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how. 28 The soil produces a crop by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain on the head. 29 As soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle, because the harvest has come.” 30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to describe it? 31 It’s like a mustard seed that, when sown upon the soil, is the smallest of all the seeds on the ground. 32 And when sown, it comes up and grows taller than all the garden plants, and produces large branches, so that the birds of the sky can nest in its shade.” 33 He was speaking the word to them with many parables like these, as they were able to understand. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable. Privately, however, he explained everything to his own disciples.

    I - The Growing Seed

    The first 20 verses of chapter four describe the soil’s different conditions and how the kingdom of God enters human history by being planted in these soils, which symbolize the human heart. Now that Jesus has explained how the kingdom has come to earth, He then shifts His focus to the mystery of how the Kingdom grows.
    Counterintuitive Kingdom. This should make us scratch our heads. Why? Well, try naming the rise of any other nation or superpower that came about like this... subtly, meekly, and gradually. Isn’t the opposite true of history? Nations rise to power by coming in with force and taking territory through violence and fear. Others come to power in a display of splendor and brilliance. Either way, their rise is big, dramatic, and highly visible. Jesus’ Kingdom, however, does not resemble any other earthly kingdom, where often, His principles and methods are the complete opposite of what the world does.
    Mysterious Growth. The focus and wisdom of this parable lie in the mysterious nature of the plant’s growth. The Sower doesn’t cause the plants to grow; in fact, he has no idea how it all works. Almost like magic, the seed can grow on its own, and that is where the true power of this parable resides. It is God’s unseen hand that beckons the tiny stalk out of the ground and initiates its growth. In fact, God has designed the seed with the natural ability to grow independently. When comparing the seed to the Kingdom of God, we need to understand that God isn’t reliant on our help. His Kingdom has an inherent capacity to grow on its own because God’s power is within it. Jesus bound the strong man, and His kingdom is now invading enemy territory. He is uprooting weeds and planting His kingdom seed, and when it takes root in good soil, there’s no stopping its growth. It will flourish in that good heart, and as this process repeats, the Kingdom expands throughout the entire earth.
    The role of the Sower. If that’s true, then this means we shouldn’t expect to see the Sower overly involved. And, as it happens, that’s exactly what we observe, which also aligns with the first parable. The only responsibility this Sower has in this parable is sowing at the beginning and reaping a harvest at the end, but he doesn’t pay attention to the plant during the growing season. In fact, he is busy with other chores and responsibilities while the main part of the parable unfolds. What does this mean then? Are we to focus entirely on evangelism and ignore discipleship altogether? Of course not! Remember, the previous two parables already addressed our involvement. Now, the focus has returned to God’s involvement.
    You cannot make the gospel seed grow or produce in anyone else. You have the responsibility to speak the gospel, thereby planting it into the soil of that person’s heart. That person is responsible for the condition of their heart, and God is responsible for the germination and growth of the gospel seed that was planted by you. Many people have sown seed into their friends and loved ones for years—even decades—without ever seeing it take root or produce fruit. And yet, we all likely know of one person who, after a long stretch of time, finally received Jesus as Lord. That is because God, in His sovereign timing, did His invisible work. As much as we want to see an eruption of plant life and immediate fruitfulness, that isn’t how the Kingdom grows. First, the seed is planted. Then it’s tended until a small shoot emerges from the soil, then the ear, then the harvest.
    On a macro scale, we should expect a slow-growing season. That doesn’t mean evangelistic crusades don’t draw in thousands of people, but within the framework of relational evangelism—the type of evangelism Jesus modeled—slow, unseen growth occurs over time. In this way, it can take a long time for the Kingdom to permeate a region. But here’s the promise: if we are faithful to sow, God is faithful to grow. It might take decades to see fruit, but like the Sower, we can confidently expect a harvest at the right time. That takes a lot of pressure off us, doesn’t it? It’s not our job to convert others; it’s simply to confess that Jesus is Lord and call others to turn away from sin and receive the forgiveness and restoration He offers.
    This is also a call to embrace the ordinary. We don’t need to try to usher in the Kingdom with flash, grandeur, or religious works. Fog machines and concert-like worship services won’t cause the kingdom seed to grow. We don’t need a megaphone to charismatically broadcast our voice to thousands, nor should we think that our religious works will somehow hasten God’s presence or power. We simply need to plant seeds where we are and trust that God will perform His unseen wonders as we faithfully live our daily lives.
    God is sovereignly in control of how His kingdom grows. Rest in His power.

    II - The Mustard Seed

    This is a case study on how the growth of the earlier parable occurs, and where God’s hand that blesses growth underpins this parable’s process.
    A Mustard seed. Although it isn’t the smallest seed in existence, it was probably the smallest in 1st-century Palestine and was commonly used in illustrations at that time to emphasize the extreme smallness of something. It is frequently used because of its presence in that society and because this seed measures only 1/10 inch in diameter, yet it would grow up to 12 feet tall. It truly serves as a perfect visual to help listeners grasp the concept of something tiny yet transformative! However, that is just one of many reasons why it is used in this parable… and crucially, it highlights the contrast between what it is now and what it will become later—a tree that offers shade, shelter, spice, medicinal benefits, and food for animals.
    So, let’s start with size, and then examine five other contrasts that use a seed’s natural process to convey core spiritual truths about God’s kingdom.
    1. Size: Small → Big
    Natural Process:
    Mustard seeds are tiny. You might lose one in the cracks of your hand. At first glance, a mustard seed doesn’t look like it could grow into much. But once planted and nurtured, it becomes the largest of garden plants, even developing branches that resemble a small tree.
    Spiritual Meaning:
    The kingdom of God often starts in small, hidden, and easily overlooked ways—such as an honest conversation, a single act of obedience, or a quiet moment of prayer. But don’t mistake its small beginnings for small potential. In fact, when we witness something and have no idea if what we said made any difference at all, we often encourage ourselves by reminding ourselves that at least we ‘planted a seed.’ When God is at work, even the smallest seed can lead to exponential impact. The Gospel began with one man—Jesus—and a handful of disciples. If you compare the population of the nation of Israel to 12 people, they are truly the seed of the new covenant church. Today, as a result, it has spread to billions across the globe and through time. Never underestimate what God can do with something small.
    2. Value: Insignificant → Substantial
    Natural Process:
    In the world of plants, seeds are easy to overlook. A mustard seed, in particular, appears insignificant—neither striking nor valuable in appearance. If you dropped it, you probably wouldn’t bother looking for it because they are a dime a dozen. Yet once it grows, that once-insignificant seed develops into a large plant with structure, shade, and even shelter for birds. What once seemed irrelevant becomes essential in the garden.
    Spiritual Meaning:
    The Kingdom of God doesn’t arrive with fanfare or flash—it begins in the margins. Jesus Himself was born in a forgotten town, to a humble family, in an animal’s feeding trough. His disciples were fishermen and tax collectors, not religious elites. In the same way, God delights in using what the world considers insignificant: ordinary people, small churches, unknown saints, and everyday acts of faithfulness. What seems unimportant in the eyes of the world becomes deeply significant in the hands of God. The worth of the Kingdom isn’t measured by outward appearance but by what it becomes under God’s rule.
    3. Power: Weak → Strong
    Natural Process:
    A mustard seed starts fragile and vulnerable. Being tiny, it has hardly any substance to it. It has no apparent strength or ability to defend itself against looming, hungry birds. But its power isn’t in its original form but in its inherent potential. When planted, watered, and given time to grow, it becomes a strong, rooted plant. It stands tall, unshaken by wind or weather, offering benefits to creatures far more powerful than itself.
    Spiritual Meaning:
    The Kingdom of God often begins in weakness—through suffering, sacrifice, and submission. Satan tried to crush it. The Pharisees tried to strangle it. Rome tried to burn it down. Jesus Himself lived meekly, willingly endured beating and crucifixion in obedience to the Father’s plan, yet was raised in eternal power. Similarly, God uses what is weak in the world to shame the strong (1 Cor. 1:27). The early church had no army, no political influence, and yet its power has outlasted every worldly empire. When you feel weak—ill-equipped, outnumbered, overlooked—you’re in the perfect position for Kingdom strength to be revealed. Why? Because God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
    4. Provision: From Simple to Sustaining
    Physical Process: A mustard seed, in its early stage, cannot flavor food or provide shelter. It cannot provide shade for a person or a place for a bird to nest. It appears useless at first—just a small speck in the hand. But once it fully grows, it offers nourishment and refuge. Its leaves feed livestock, its branches shelter birds, and its seeds add heat to meals and aid healing.
    Spiritual Meaning: Similarly, the Kingdom of God may appear to start with little power or promise—just a message, a man, or a movement without resources or recognition. However, as it matures, it becomes a place of deep provision. God’s kingdom flavors the world with truth and grace, provides comfort to the weary, and becomes a refuge for the broken. What once seemed incapable becomes essential. This is the paradox of Kingdom growth: from apparent weakness, abundant provision emerges.
    5. Resurrection: From Death to Life
    Physical Process:
    For a seed to grow, it must in some way die. It is buried in the ground, appears lifeless, and stops being what it was in its original form. Only by “dying” does it germinate and produce new life. Jesus used this image in John 12:24 — “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” In nature, the seed relinquishes its former state to become something much greater—living, growing, and reproducing.
    Spiritual Meaning:
    The seed symbolizes the gospel, which brings spiritual life to those who are dead in sin. Like a seed, the gospel was planted in the reality of death—Christ crucified and buried—but through resurrection, it gave birth to eternal life. As this gospel takes root in a person’s heart, it not only grants new life to that soul but also multiplies life through their witness. Disciples make disciples. Life begets life. What seemed like a moment of loss becomes the start of spiritual renewal. The kingdom of God is a resurrection movement.
    6. Patience: Gradual Growth Over Time
    Physical Process:
    Growth requires patience. A seed doesn’t sprout, grow, and mature overnight. Days and weeks pass with no visible changes. The process is quiet and often goes unnoticed—but it is persistent. Seasons change, roots deepen, and what once seemed barren becomes fruitful. It is a patient process built into the very fabric of God’s kingdom.
    Spiritual Meaning:
    The work of the Kingdom is rarely instant. In a world obsessed with speed and immediacy, God invites us into a slower, deeper rhythm—where faithfulness matters more than immediate results. The parables of the Kingdom remind us that God is always working, even when we don’t see results. Our job is to sow, water, wait, and trust. Growth will come—in our own hearts, in others, and in the world—because God is faithful to cause the growth. As Galatians 6:9 urges us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Patience is not passivity—it is active trust… trust that God’s unseen work will bear visible fruit at the right time.
    The Slow, Steady Growth of the Kingdom. The Old Testament uses the imagery of large trees that provide nesting sites for birds to describe God’s provision for the nations. How incredible to think that the church, with such a small and humble beginning, would become a gathering place for people from all tribes, nations, and languages! The reality is, the Kingdom of God has been planted in this world and has been growing for more than 2,000 years. So take courage! Even when it looks like Satan holds the world and culture in his grasp, remember that he is only a defeated foe. Jesus still has authority over Satan and is actively building His kingdom in the hearts of every redeemed person taken from Satan’s domain.
    The Hope for Every Believer. This parable is deeply personal—it’s Jesus’ way of telling every discouraged disciple: “You may feel small, unseen, and insignificant, but you are exactly the kind of person I build My Kingdom through.” God intentionally uses our smallness, weakness, and perceived insignificance as vessels of His power. You don’t have to be the biggest or the best—you just have to be His. You may feel like a weak and worthless seed right now, but, in time, if you continue to seek and obey Him, you will become a source of refuge and provision for others by His power. So be encouraged: the mustard seed may be small, but it carries within itself… resurrection power.
    All of these things and more can be part of your story if…

    III - Greater Measure

    The disciples received a greater measure because they were willing to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. This section ends with a reminder that the crowd never received an explanation… they only got the parable. Only the disciples experienced the benefit of exclusive time with Jesus to understand its meaning. This returns to the promise that we receive more of God when we give more of ourselves first. If we hand God our two-gallon measuring basket of spiritual ears that hear, we won’t get a teaspoon of revelation in return. Instead, we will receive far more abundantly than we could ask or imagine if we pursue becoming fully devoted followers and seekers.

    🔥 Application: Embrace the Slow, the Small, and the Simple

    The mustard seed teaches us something our culture often resists: God works through the ordinary, the overlooked, and the slow. We want instant results, quick growth, and visible success. But the Kingdom doesn’t operate like that. It grows at the pace of a planted seed—buried, hidden, and gradually grows. God isn’t in a hurry, and He’s not impressed by hype. He delights in steady obedience, humble dependence, and quiet faithfulness.
    So if your life feels unimpressive… if your growth seems slow… if your witness appears weak… take heart.
    Your ordinary faithfulness, daily obedience, and simple acts of love are the very soil in which the Spirit brings extraordinary fruit. > Embrace the kingdom process, trust the Gardener, and know that what feels small now may one day provide abundantly for many.
    ➤ Reflect: What ordinary act of faithfulness have you been tempted to overlook or underestimate? How can today’s passage challenge you to rethink the impact of these ordinary moments that God is using to grow something eternal?

      • Isaiah 7:9b–16ESV

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  • Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow (Old 100th)
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Ashe Alliance Church
nroten@ashealliance.org
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