February 3, 2011
Read Luke 13:10-21
Luke 13:18-21
Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”
Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
These kingdom sayings come after Jesus has healed the woman. The woman is said to have been crippled by Satan for 18 years; her body becomes bent over as a result. Jesus touches her and sets her free. This healing is a direct reference to Jesus’ breaking the power of Satan.
What then is the kingdom of God like? It is like a mustard seed and a little yeast – insignificant to the human eyes but reaping great effects. So this is just another healing on another Sabbath day but what is the result of this small incident? No one can tell. It is a small episode among many healings. What is this one display of Jesus’ victory over Satan? It is one of the many chapters.
Both the mustard seed and the yeast look insignificant. But in them lies great potential for growth. Added to soil, the mustard seed has the power to grow into a huge tree. Added to dough, the yeast has the potential to affect the whole dough. What they need to realize their potential is time.
You may think you are an insignificant voice for God in your workplace, school or family. That is what Satan wants you to think. Do not despise the days of small things nor underestimate the power of small things done in God’s name.
The kingdom of God advances in small steps and seemingly insignificant incidents that tear down Satan’s stronghold will eventually overcome the world. That is the Kingdom’s message.
Just be faithful and expect BIG things to grow out of small victories.
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It's interesting how the symbol of yeast in the Bible is usually used to represent sin but here it talks about growth.
ReplyDeleteIn other stories where a man/woman is possessed by a spirit, does Jesus normally heal without touching the women too? Just wondering cause here he had to tell her that she is free before he touches her.
Interesting observation. We know that Jesus' word has authority in itself, as in the faith of the Centurion (Matt 8:5-13). In this story, Jesus doesn't even make it to the paralyzed servant, he just issue the word and healing is done. Many of the healings for woman do not record Jesus' touching the woman.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that Luke 13 is the only healing incident where Jesus touches the woman after declaring her to be set free.
The only other incident involves the woman suffering from the blood disorder touching him and Jesus sensing power draining from him (Luke 8:40-53.
It could be the cultural context in Jesus' time. It is taboo for men to speak to women and to touch them would be a big no-no then.
Yet one small noticeable observation is that Jesus ALWAYS have a personal word for those he heals and sets free.