Lesson 7 · November 16, 1901
The Mustard Seed
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Lesson Scriptures.—; ; .
Aid.—.
- 1.What question did Jesus ask? .
- 2.Who answered it? In this instance what did He say the kingdom is like? How many grains?
- 3.Does the dry seed represent the kingdom, or is it the seed as it is sown and growing?
- 4.In size, how does this seed compare with others? How does the plant compare with other plants?
- 5.What symbols are used in the Bible to represent earthly governments? .
- 6.How have earthly governments usually been established, maintained, and extended?
- 7.Then where could Christ find no similitude of the kingdom of heaven?
- 8.In order that we may be admitted into that kingdom, where must the kingdom be first admitted? .
- 9.What is the kingdom that God sets up in man? .
- 10.What will God's kingdom eventually fill? .
- 11.But according to the parables thus far studied, how will the subjects of this kingdom be made ready?
- 12.What makes less noise than the growth of a seed?
- 13.How does this compare with political strife and the contending of armies?
- 14.Which attracts the more attention in the world? Which is enduring, and which is not? .
- 15.Can one have the spirit of both these kingdoms at the same time? Can the methods of both be followed by any one? To which do you and I belong?
Notes
The Jews looked for the kingdom of God to be established in the same way as the kingdoms of the world. To promote righteousness they resorted to external measures. They devised methods and plans. But Christ implants a principle. By implanting truth and righteousness He counterworks error and sin.
Not only is the growth of Christ's kingdom illustrated by the parable of the mustard seed, but in every stage of its growth the experience represented in the parable is repeated.
At the outset its advocates are few. By the great men of the world, and by a world-conforming church, they are opposed and despised.
In this last generation the parable of the mustard seed is to reach a signal and triumphant fulfilment. The little seed will become a tree.
Every seed that sends up its green blade to the sunlight declares the wonder-working power of that word uttered by Him who "spake and it was;" who "commanded, and it stood fast."
In everything that tends to the sustenance of man is seen the concurrence of divine and human effort. There can be no reaping unless the human hand acts its part in the sowing of the seed.
Bible texts in this lesson
Matthew 13:31 · Matthew 13:32 · Mark 4:30-32 · Luke 13:18 · Luke 13:19 · Mark 4:30 · Daniel 7:3 · Daniel 7:17 · Daniel 7:23 · Luke 17:20 · Luke 17:21 · Romans 14:17 · Daniel 2:34 · Daniel 2:35 · Daniel 2:44 · Daniel 2:45 · Daniel 7:18 · Daniel 7:27
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