Show Don't Tell: Mark 4:30-34

Instead of saying "Jesus compared the kingdom to a mustard seed," hold the tiny seed. "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable shall we use to describe it?" Even Jesus pauses to find the right comparison. "It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth." Hold it between thumb and forefinger—barely visible. "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." From nearly nothing to shelter for many. The kingdom starts small—twelve unlikely disciples, a crucified Messiah, an empty tomb. But it grows beyond all proportion to its beginnings. Mark notes that Jesus used many such parables, speaking as much as they could understand. Privately, he explained everything to his disciples. Public parables, private explanations.