Kingdom Parables

THE KINGDOM PARABLES
Everyday you realize the fullness of God an you yield a new area to Him
until your total personality belongs to Jesus.
The Christian Church also grows like that. Historically it grew up like
that. A small group of people unskilled in art and science and
philosophy formed the beginning of the historical church. There were
only twelve with Jesus always and 120 at Pentecost in the upper room.
They were not learned men. But they had the conviction of the reality of
the resurrected Jesus.
Mustard seed is a spice used in cooking. Broken down under the high
temperature of oil it gives out subtle pervading aroma. Freshly ground
mustard is a potent penetrating dressing. It is used in the East as counter
acting force against severe headaches. The paste is applied wantonly can
cause burns. Evidently mustard seed is symbol of high potency.
4.3 SOWED IN HIS GARDEN
Notice that this seed was sown in his own garden. The soil is prepared
and tended. "Where you sowed your seed and watered it with your feet,
like a garden of herb." (Duet. 11:10) The picture here seems to be the
backyard where essential herb were grown by the family.
In the first parable, the sower was sowing at random in the open
ground; in the second parable the sowing was done in his own field.
Here in the third parable it is still narrowed down. What is sown is a
single seed and it is sown in his garden. Luke uses the word explicitly,
while in the others it is implied by the act of using one seed.
" Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the
garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. So......they laid
Jesus there." (Jn. 19:41-42) Out of this seed grew the church which is
described in this parable.
64