KINGDOM PARABLES:   “THE GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM”

Introduction:        Three short parables, told in rapid succession. The main subject of these, as of many parables, is “the Kingdom of heaven.” Each parable under consideration in this lesson has as its theme the growth of the kingdom, and each one presents the growth of the kingdom from a different viewpoint.

Let us now examine the three parables, spoken by the Lord, which provide illustrations of the kingdom’s growth.

I.          The Parable of the Seed Growing of Itself  (Mark 4:26-29 – Mystery).

A.     In order for the kingdom to grow, preparation had to be made.

1.     Illustration of seed: soil must be prepared for sowing, by plowing, disking, fertilizing, etc.

2.     The kingdom was planned, prophesied, and prepared for: Isaiah 2:1-4; Daniel 2:44.

B.     The kingdom grows orderly.

1.     Illustration: the seed which is sown grows in stages, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.”

2.     Applied to the individual Christian, this part teaches us patience, for it is possible to expect too much of ourselves when we are first converted!

3.     Mature congregations do not just happen overnight, but develop through planning and leadership.

C.     The kingdom grows somewhat mysteriously.

1.     Illustration: Once the seed is sown, the man sleeps by night, rises by day. The seed springs up “he knoweth not how.” (There is a very limited amount of work that a man can do to help the seed grow. Depends on “natural law.”)

2.     The growth of the kingdom is, to a great degree, God’s work!

a.     1 Corinthians 3:6 - “...but God gave the increase.”

b.     Isaiah 55:8-11.

3.     This does not mean that our work is unimportant, for if the seed is not sown (our work), there can be no increase (God’s work)

4.     Should teach us to be humble regarding our part, and give God the glory for blessing our efforts!

5.     Also, this should teach us patience! (James 5:7,8). illustration of farmer’s patience.

II.                 The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matt. 13:31,32; Mk. 4:30-32)

A.     Emphasizes the growth of the kingdom.

1.     The illustration of the mustard seed shows with what small beginnings the kingdom would begin.

a.     Small in number (relatively few of those who followed Jesus during his ministry stayed with him to the end.)

b.     Small, from the viewpoint of the world, as far as the kind of people who started in the kingdom (fishermen, a publican, etc.).

2.     “Who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zech. 4:10).

B.     Shows the greatness of the kingdom.

1.     Similar to Dan. 2:34,35,44,45.

2.     See what great things the Lord can do with little things!

3.     The mustard—seed was often used to illustrate anything extremely small. (Cf. Mt. 17:20 - “faith as a grain of mustard-seed.”

III.        The Parable of the Leaven (Mt. 13:33)

A.     Emphasizes the influence of the kingdom.

1.     “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6; Gal. 5:9). Used to illustrate the spread of evil.

2.     “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Mt. 16:6-12). Their evil doctrine.

3.     Here, the leaven illustrates the influence of good!

B.     Notice:

1.     The inner influence of leaven - the doctrine of Jesus Christ and his kingdom must do its work from the inside outward.

2.     The changing influence of leaven - the gospel changes men, making them “new creatures,” and the world can even be “turned upside down” (Acts 17:6) by its preaching.

3.     The leaven is contagious - it is aggressive, never stopping its work until the process is complete. Notice how many of Jesus’ earliest disciples acted like leaven (John

1: 40-45).

Conclusion:       Great truths are taught by these simple illustrations! The kingdom grows:

(1)    Somewhat mysteriously, as we “sow the seed” and allow God to “give the increase;”

(2)    Gradually, from small beginnings to a great and glorious end; and

(3)    Contagiously, as Christians come in contact with others and let their influence change the hearts and lives of those who see their lives!