October 10, 2021

The Growth of the Kingdom

Pastor: David Weber Series: Thy Kingdom Come: Studies In Matthew's Gospel Scripture: Matthew 13:24–43

Thy Kingdom Come

I remember one occasion when I found myself waiting in the school office. I am not sure exactly why I was there, but I sat waiting for my parents and the principal to finish their discussion. As with all such offices, there was a large clock on the wall. I sat and I stared at that clock wishing that the seconds would quickly turn to minutes so that I could stop waiting. As I stared at the clock I thought that if I really concentrated, I could see the minute hand move. I focused all my attention on the minute hand knowing that it had to move, knowing that it traveled all the way around, from the twelve, down to the six, and back up to the twelve again. And for a brief moment, I thought that I saw it move. I sat there for fifteen minutes. During that time the minute hand traveled from the nine up to the twelve. However, it was so gradual that it to my utmost attention to even see it move at all.

In our passage for this Sunday, the Lord Jesus teaches his disciples how the Kingdom of God grows. It is much like the minute hand of a clock. It is almost imperceptible to the human eye. However, over time the growth is great. Jesus compares this growth to that of a mustard seed that grows into a tree or leaven that over time will cause the whole loaf to rise.

In our own day, we might be discouraged because we want God’s kingdom to advance more quickly. We want to see immediate results both personally and in the world. We desire to be more like Jesus, but our growth in Christlikeness is slow. We want the gospel to reach our city but it seems that very few are coming to faith in Christ. We desire the ethics of God’s word to shape our culture and our nation, but it seems that God’s word has less and less influence. Nevertheless, what Jesus teaches us is that while the Kingdom begins small and grows secretly, ultimately it will grow to affect and change the whole world. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Matthew 13:24-43, Ezekiel 17:23-24, Matthew 24:14, Acts 1:7, Galatians 4:4, and Westminster Confession of Faith 33.

As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” the Acclamation of Praise “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” and the Hymn of Response “Jesus, I am Resting, Resting” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!

Sermon Information

Text: Matthew 13:24-43

Title: The Growth of the Kingdom

Outline: