Reading Plan:
Luke 13

In this chapter, I am drawn to verses 18-21. Here we see two examples of how a very small amount of faith can lead to very big results. A mustard seed would’ve been the smallest seed known to Jesus’s audience at the time. He tells us that this one tiny seed grew into a tree so large that even birds could make nests in its branches. The Jews were expecting the kingdom of God to come in a big, flashy way or maybe even to come in an instant. This parable teaches us that we have to trust the process and wait for growth to happen.

In the same way, a small amount of yeast grows into enough bread to feed about 100 people. Have you ever taken the time to be amazed by how something like a little bit of yeast grows into something larger (and more delicious)? I know I haven’t! When I really think about it though, this is a beautiful picture of my faith. If I’m willing to give even a small amount of myself, God can use it to multiply not only my own faith but also the faith of those around me!

One of the things I struggle with the most is feeling like I’m enough. My mustard seed is too small. My yeast is probably bad. My default thinking always leads me to believe that I don’t have enough of whatever I need to make something happen. These verses remind me that it has nothing to do with the amount of what I have to give. What matters is that I’m willing to give it and that I trust in the Lord to do the rest of the work!


Reflection:

• What small thing do you have to offer that you’ve been holding back due to fear that it’s not enough?

Have Kids?

• Jesus tells a story about how the smallest seed ever could turn into a giant tree. Jesus says our faith can be the same way. You may be young, but God can use you to bring glory to Him right now.

• Have each person share who they can pray for right now. This could be a classmate, a friend, a neighbor, a teammate, etc. Spend a moment praying for others.

• Spend time as a family and make some goals of things you want to pray towards as a family this year. Make sure each person is represented and can contribute to the process in some way. It could be letting each person say their goal. It could be letting someone write down all the goals. Maybe you write your goals on an odd object like a life jacket or cowboy hat and display it in your home, praying each time you see it. The items you use don’t have to be big. Start small and allow God to grow them in ways you never could have imagined.