"Parables of the Kingdom" a sermon for 9 Pentecost (7/26/26)
Jesus gives us five snapshots of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like this morning. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, some yeast, hidden treasure, a pearl, and a net of fish. With the exception of the catch of fish and the hidden treasure, all of these are small, seemingly insignificant.
I have here an index card. On the index card is a mustard seed, a pearl,
and a grain of yeast. There is also a
quarter for comparison. You may be able
to see the quarter. How many can see the
other items? Not too many. The mustard seed, the pearl, and the grain of
yeast are so tiny in comparison. But
their impact is huge.
A tiny mustard seed can grow into a large bush. Large enough to provide shelter for birds and
small animals.
A little bit of yeast causes the dough to rise. Soon, there is enough dough for several
loaves of bread to feed hungry hearts.
A pearl is something precious. So precious, that it is worth selling all you
have so that you can purchase the pearl.
Scholar Zina Jacque contends that “no matter which
parable grabs your attention, the point is the same: The kingdom of heaven is
valuable beyond measure, it is at work even when you cannot see it, and it will
cost you everything to participate in it fully.”[1] Jacque notes three elements that connect
the series of teachings:[2]
First, the
element of hiddenness. We especially see
this in the mustard seed, the hidden treasure, the pearl, and the yeast. Each is hidden something: in the ground, in dough,
or among pearls.
Second,
the element of disproportionate outcome.
We especially see this in the mustard seed and the yeast. The seed and the yeast double, nay, triple in
size, making their overall impact huge.
Third, the
element of total response. We especially
see this with the pearl merchant and the treasure. The merchant sells all she or he has in order
to buy the pearl beyond compare or the field.
Taken together, these varied sayings tell us something
about God’s Kingdom. That Kingdom starts
small and may be all but hidden. But for
those who persevere, the benefits pay off. There is also a sense of urgency about the
Kingdom. Notice how the pearl merchant immediately
goes all in to buy the precious pearl.
Jesus’ first words are “the Kingdom of Heaven is near!”[3] Talitha Arnold writes that “of these five
parables, only the last includes apocalyptic judgment and gnashing of
teeth. The rest envision God in every
nook and cranny of daily life, from kneading dough to plowing fields. Jesus transforms human life not by scaring
the hell out of people, but by helping them see the Heaven close at hand.”
Sometimes, I think, we expect the Kingdom of God to be
huge. Blinding light on the road to
Damascus huge.[4] But, Jesus, tells us that is not how God’s
Kingdom works. God’s Heavenly Kingdom is
found in the little things. The cups of
coffee shared with a lonely neighbor.
The food donated to feed the hungry.
You and I may not always see the impact of our acts. In fact, we frequently don’t. But we can count on the fact that seeds have
been planted. Yeast has been added. A treasure has been found. For Jesus, God’s kingdom is as near as such
small, seemingly insignificant things that are easily missed and passed over.
Where do you see the Kingdom of Heaven near you? Perhaps in hearing early morning bird
song. Where do you see little things
making a large splash? Maybe in
neighbors coming together to support each other. Take time this week to notice the Kingdom in
your daily life and to rejoice at God’s nearness.
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