Verses 18-21 Jesus gave two parables about obedience to describe God’s work in bringing his kingdom.

The Magnificent Mustard Seed

Many expect the kingdom of God in their lives to be this rushing upon them of something mighty that transforms their lives into instant perfection, but Jesus says it’s more like a little mustard seed that gets planted in one’s life. It’s so small, but when sown in good soil, it will produce a magnificent tree so that birds can nest in its branches. Small seeds can produce large harvests. Each harvest produces more seeds that multiply when planted. 

We may underestimate the power of small obedience in our lives. It may seem those minor decisions don’t amount to much, but those silent acts grow into an entire life of integrity that shows up in big ways later. It might show up at our job when we share Jesus, or to those watching us in our neighborhoods, or even through our children. Small beginnings eventually increase into bigger things.

On the Move, Like Yeast

Jesus says the kingdom is also like yeast that is mixed throughout a large batch of flour. Over time, God’s kingdom would continue to expand and work its way throughout the world. Eventually, the kingdom would manifest itself in every place. We must wait for it like yeast activating the dough. With every second, the kingdom is gaining ground in the souls of people longing for redemption. It is lifting downcast hearts and infusing lives with grace, freedom, and glory to God.

Our impact in this world doesn’t end when we meet Jesus in heaven. When we live in obedience to God’s Word, those we’ve shared the gospel with will live on, serving and sacrificing in the name of Jesus, continuing to share with others. Obedience has a multiplying effect.

The Narrow Door

Verses 22-30 Still journeying toward Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, Jesus continued his ministry by stopping in villages and cities along the way to teach. Wherever God takes us, we should be available to do His work there. We leave the mission field at home. We’re always moving in fulfillment of our mission.

Perhaps noticing all the opposition and rejection Jesus was experiencing while preaching, someone asked if only a few people were going to be saved. Jesus redirects the question from numbers to a very personal inquiry and assessment of our own lives.

We should do all we can to enter the kingdom through this narrow door. Strive in obedience. There’s no other option.

When we work hard on something, we activate our entire being to reach the goal; every thought, every limb of our body, and every inkling of motivation and hope in our soul. The journey of following Jesus requires all of our being to seek after the unseen hand of God over what we see in this world.

We should press into spiritual disciplines like praying, which may include a lot of wrestling with God. Wake up early to spend time with Jesus before the world wakes or work begins.

Called to Suffer With Jesus

There may be a lot of painful decisions we need to make. Obedience might have us suffering while doing things Jesus’ way, like releasing bitterness toward those who have made our lives a living hell. And then going a step further, we should give them grace, a new beginning. If they have repented, we no longer hold them accountable for the wrongs that they have done because of the work that Jesus has done. This is forgiving the “unforgivable”.

Some may take steps toward living a holy and God-honoring life, but the lifestyle doesn’t stick. They have no lasting conviction about what they believe. Their desire for Jesus is weak and their attempts at obedience lack any genuine effort. They have no steady resolve to live for Jesus. And so they come short and lose the prize because they did not press forward.

A Locked Door Means It’s Too Late

Jesus illustrated this by describing a homeowner shutting the door to his home. The homeowner is Jesus and His door is to the kingdom. Once the entrance is closed, no one will enter. Those who cry out for entry after it’s too late will face the consequences. The ones denied access to heaven will shock us. Jesus sees the heart and the secret sins that no one else knows about. And it will surprise us those who make it in, perhaps those who did not seem to live much of a life at all. It doesn’t matter if we experienced God’s presence and sat in his teaching. Judas Iscariot, who ultimately betrayed Jesus, sat at the table with Jesus, walked with him, and sat under his teaching.

Salvation will find those clinging to their faith, observing the disciplines Jesus spoke about, and seeking purity and God’s interests in their lives. Those who do not make it to heaven will spend their life in hell where there is only sorrow, pain, and suffering.

The Last Will be First

In heaven, we will find people from around the world at the King’s table. Some who are last in this world will be first in heaven, and some who are first here on earth will be last in the other life.

Jesus implied that though the community considered Jews better than others because of their faith ranking, they would ultimately reject Jesus as the Messiah and be last in the kingdom. While Gentiles, or unbelievers, are last for earthly honors or privileges in the temples or villages, they will receive Jesus and be among the first to enter heaven.

Prayer

Jesus, I see you and receive you. Help me live as if I believe in you. Help me throw off the sin that so easily entangles and run this race of life with perseverance and perspective on the goal ahead of me. I don’t want to miss the prize because of temptations and momentary pleasures. I want to be someone who will do whatever it takes to make it through that narrow gate. Help me pray like I believe you will answer. Help me seek you for the way to go and the strength to go on. I don’t want to assume that I am saved because I experienced your presence or sat through a sermon. So help me lead with humility and take a serious inventory of my life. I want obedience and perseverance to be my legacy. Where can I surrender to Your authority more in my life? Where can I go deeper with You and submit to Your ways even better? Show me where I can serve You more, love You greater, and trust You further? I want to strive with my whole being and not leave anything behind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Also cited in Matthew 13:31-33, Mark 4:30-32