Luke 13:18-21

Luke 13:18-21

1. The parable of the mustard seed is intended to show the progress of the Gospel in the WORLD.
2. The parable of the leaven is intended to show the progress of the Gospel in the heart of a BELIEVER.

"Let us learn from this parable never to despair of any work for Christ, because its first beginnings are feeble and small."

"The soul must creep before it can walk, and walk before it can run. If we see any sign of grace beginning in a brother, however feeble, let us thank God and be hopeful."

Questions:

1. There are lots of things God calls us to that seem very small: being faithful to love and serve our spouses, diligence in raising our children in the ways of the Lord, speaking the truth in love to a friend. Are we tempted to despise the day of small things and look for greater things, or are we trusting that those seeds carry God’s promise of growth and have hope to press on?

2. Ryle’s question should satisfy us here: Are we resting satisfied with a few vague wishes and convictions or do we know anything of a gradual, growing, spreading, increasing, leavening process in our hearts?