This chapter contains 7 parables. Jesus explains 2 of the parables and also states the purpose of why he speaks in parables at the outset.
The Kingdom of Heaven
The Kingdom of Heaven is a primarily a label given to the redeemed people of God of all times. We read the Kingdom of God in the OT (Daniel 7:27) as well as the NT. In an overall Biblical sense the term also includes angels and the whole realm of heaven and earth. Its arrival was announced by John the Baptist and was inaugurated by Jesus (Mark 1:15). The 'Kingdom of Heaven' is a periphrasis employed by Matthew to avoid using the name of God although he does not always employ this practice.
The message of the parable is the insignificant beginning and the spectacular growth of the Kingdom of Heaven. At this point of time opposition to Jesus' ministry was beginning and in due course of time many so-called disciples would leave him (Mat 22:22). Only the true disciples would be left. Jesus' parable tells how God would go on to use a bunch of small and insignificant people in order to spread his Gospel, 'even to the ends of the earth'
The Kingdom of God has an Insignificant Beginning
The focus of both parables - the mustard seed and the leaven - is the insignificant beginning of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God never arrives 'with a bang', put in modern terms. Its beginning is not publicized like the latest movie in the theatres, or the latest car in the market, or the latest film-star who enters politics. It is quiet and insignificant.
Jesus' birth was prophesied (not same as publicity) for hundreds of years but he was not born in a palace but in a manger (Luke 2:12). Jesus was not born to a King, or a high priest, but to an ordinary couple. He was not born in Rome or in Jerusalem, but in a small town like Bethlehem. And he even did not live his life in a prominent town before he started his ministry, but in Nazareth - a place not expected to produce anything good (John 1:46). David's Kingdom, a precursor to Jesus' kingdom, also did not start off with control over all the tribes of Israel, but only over Judah, in the hills of Hebron (0 2 Sa 2:11). The same is the story of how the early church began - with only a few faithful disciples locked up in room for the fear of the Jews. They went on to change the world.
The Kingdom of God will Grow to Its Full Potential
The Kingdom of God will ultimately grow to its full potential, which is huge. When it started it was a small mustard seed. However, it will grow into a garden plant bigger than others. This is the characteristic of the mustard seed and this is the characteristic of the Kingdom of God. It is not a like rose plant, with a small beginning and small growth, but a small beginning and big growth.Similarly, a small lump of yeast is enough to work through the whole dough (1 Co 5:6) - small lump is enough, we do not need 3 pecks of yeast to leaven 3 pecks of meal.Small beginning and big growth that is the point.
And what is that full potential - The Kingdom of God will grow and finally will overthrow the kingdom of the world (Rev 11:15; Da 2:35). That is the full potential. Satan will be defeated and Jesus will be lord over all (1 Co 15:25)
The full potential does not mean that all the people of the world will be saved, but only his redeemed people. Also when the first parable says that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches, it only underscores its strength- its ability to support so many birds unlike the other garden plants. The quality of the Kingdom of God will not be compromised for the sake of its growth. A principle all of us need to learn as Church builders. Moreover, the parables which precede and succeed these parables speak about God's judgment on counterfeit believers.
However, the Parables here must not be interpreted to mean that the Church will grow rapidly. Nothing is said about the rate of its growth. Big growth is not necessarily rapid growth.
Conclusion
1) We do not need to be bothered about small beginnings (Like our Church. Reformation Day). Let us trust in the Lord
2) God is in control and the final outcome is already established. Let us not be afraid of any temporary hurdles to our growth. They will inevitably pass away.
