“Then Jesus said, “What is the kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds come and find shelter among its branches.” (Luke 13:18-19 NLT)
In today’s mustard seed parable, Jesus describes how the tiny mustard seed grows into a large tree. There is a required delay in the seed’s growth; it doesn’t grow into the large tree immediately but requires time. In other words, there is a delay between inception and full realization.
The general expectation among those listening to Jesus tell this parable was that the Messiah would come as a great king and leader, freeing them from Rome and restoring Israel’s former glory. But Jesus said that His kingdom was beginning quietly, like a mustard seed that takes time to grow into an enormous tree, all in God’s perfect timing.
“The only significance of life consists in helping to establish the kingdom of God.” - Leo Tolstoy