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Home Luke 13:18-21 NRSVue

Luke 13:18-21 NRSVue

18He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? 19It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”

20And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? 21It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

Reflection on Luke 13:18-21

Inspiration from 2026-10-27 Daily Prayer

There are two questions to ponder here. What is the kingdom of God like, and to what should you compare the kingdom of God? Whether you are aware of it or not, you have thoughts about what God is like. You have ideas and images about what a kingdom should be like. It could be like a mustard seed, a grain of wheat, or anything that you conjure up in your mind. Allow your imagination free rein and pay attention to whether you are moved to pray with your mind or your heart.

Further reflection

When Jesus told the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, what questions was he addressing? Were people frustrated at the lack of signs of the Kingdom of God in the world around them?

Am I frustrated with the slow speed of the coming of the Kingdom in and around me?

What do the everyday images of kitchen and garden say to me? Can I let Jesus give me some real encouragement?

To the crowds who expected the kingdom of God to come with fanfare and drum-beat, Jesus offers two wonderful images of organic growth. The mustard seed grows slowly, but as a tree it has room for all sorts of birds in its branches. Now as in its first centuries, the church has room for all races, colours and cultures. We are not clones but hugely diverse.

Another image of the kingdom: yeast in the dough, working for good even when unseen. Yeast is a less attractive image than spreading trees or a light on a hilltop. If there is anything of the exhibitionist in us, this image will discover it. Lord, I feel safer as yeast, working invisibly and unnoticed. I do not look to see results, just to know that I am an active part of your kingdom.