In North America, mustard seeds sprout rapidly and grow often as weeds. It takes only five weeks from sprout to bud, and eighty days to fruition. They are annual plants that never grow much larger than a small bush.
In warmer climates, however, the mustard seed grows differently. It grows slowly and continues season after season. In Palestine, the mustard seed doesn’t flower for several years. The plant begins small and grows very slowly.
After a few years, however, it begins to put on significant growth. Historians in Jesus’ day said the mustard tree was large enough to climb, like a fig tree. Some mustard trees in Palestine have been known to grow upwards of 15 feet tall and exhibit a strong woody exterior. Unlike most garden plants, the mustard seed thus becomes very sturdy. That is quite a significant change from the original tiny seed.
Jesus says, the Kingdom of heaven is like this mustard seed.
Prayer Prompts and Discussion Starters:
- Ask God for the patience to wait for Kingdom growth.
- Ask Him to cause the tiniest things of faith to be ever growing.
- Trust Him to strengthen that which is weak and make it strong.
- Ask Him to continue to cause your community of faith to grow.
- Thank Him for the growth you have experienced.
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