The paradox of parables
- onedisciplesjourney
- Nov 20, 2021
- 3 min read
“Again he said, ‘What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.’” Mark 4:30-32
My sister teaches second grade, and she’s told me stories about the times she’s had to calmly and patiently repeat important information to her students. I can hear her kind yet diligent voice in my mind as she recites yet again what she’s already said many times to her students, for whom she genuinely cares and loves. I was reminded of this patient practice of hers when recently reflecting on Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed because I was struck by His first word… “Again.”
This parable is one of several that Jesus shared with the people who were asking questions—questions perhaps motivated by a bit of skeptic belief and wishful optimism for an “easy in” to this Kingdom life He kept describing. After all, the point of Jesus’ parables was to convey what the Kingdom of God is—what it looks like, how it functions, how it’s furthered in the world, and who can enter.
A collective understanding of Jesus’ parables confirms the reality that it’s never about the high and mighty. It’s never about the normalcy of the established systems and structures created by the most powerful for the most powerful. No, the Kingdom of God is every kingdom of this world turned upside-down. Jesus uses these unique stories time and again to convey this poignant Truth. And if we’re willing to be a part of it, He will absolutely explain these things to us. But it’s not for everyone. If we continue reading this passage, verses 33-34 say this:
“With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.”
In other words, like the people present that day, we can’t expect to get the “inside scoop” unless we’re ready to lay down our lives and truly be a part of this Kingdom Jesus is talking about. It’s not that Jesus was being snarky or manipulative in His appeal to Kingdom living. He was just being honest. Because the kingdoms of this world are too alluring, too appealing, too convenient for the everyday passersby. The kingdoms of this world provide the easy-in, quick-fix many people are looking for, yet they are only a mirage of that which is truly redemptive, and ultimately devoid of eternal substance.
Jesus knew there were plenty who would not enter through “the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13-14) because the Kingdom of God is extraordinary and more often ushered into this world through challenge and hardship than through enthrallment and ease. Jesus knew the Kingdom could never be for the faithless of heart. On the contrary. Only the heart of sincere faith can enter. For only such a heart can receive the Grace necessary to do so.
The parable of the mustard seed reminds us once again that the Kingdom of God comes paradoxically through the magnitude of the small, the complexity of the simple, and the greatness of the humble. It is a way of life not even possible unless we yield ourselves to the Forgiveness, Mercy, Grace, and Love of the One Who laid down His life that we may find ours.
~em