A Moment for Mission
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” — Matthew 13:31-32 NRSVU
Any time that we claim something of the prophetic vision or embrace a kingdom/kin-dom image of how we could be living in beloved community together, we are imagining a new reality.
This is a disciple’s task. We are called to see more than simply what is—not that disciples ignore the world as it is. We are not called to be “so heavenly minded that we are not earthly good”! No, we do live in the world that is. But we also hold out hope, a living, driving, motivating hope for what could be. For what is promised. We lean into the promises of God with joy and with confidence, even as we recognize how far we still must go to reach that mountaintop.
There is optimism to the disciple’s path, a destination always in mind and heart as we move through the world. These aren’t rose-colored glasses that make things look better than they are, but a certainty that the church is still a force for good in the world, that justice is still within reach as hearts and minds and behaviors are changed. And that there is a God who will bring the new reality into being in and through us and sometimes despite us. That means we work for the winning side. Just think, what could we accomplish if we were certain we wouldn’t fail? What invitations could we issue, what hope could we offer, what joy could we share if we could see the new reality God has in store for all of creation?
From “The Path of the Disciple” worship series By the Rev. Dr. Derek Weber. One of 13 international agencies of The United Methodist Church, Discipleship Ministries helps local church, district, and conference leaders fulfill the shared dream of making world-changing disciples.
Children’s Message
Jesus loved to teach people using stories called parables. One day, he told a parable about a tiny seed. Let's read from the book of Matthew, chapter 13, verses 31-32:
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a tiny mustard seed. Can you imagine how small a mustard seed is? It's so tiny that you can easily lose it in your hand! But even though it starts small, it grows into a big, strong tree where birds can make their homes.
Just like the mustard seed, following Jesus starts with something small. It begins with a little seed of faith that God plants in our hearts. When we choose to follow Jesus and learn from him, that seed starts to grow.
How can we become disciples of Jesus and grow like that mustard seed? As we learn and grow, we can show kindness to others, help those in need, and share God's love with everyone we meet. Our small acts of love and kindness can have a big impact on others, just like the mustard seed growing into a tree that provides homes for birds. When we allow God's love and teachings to take root in our lives, our faith grows bigger and stronger, just like the mustard seed growing into a tree. Our lives become a place where others can find shelter, comfort, and love.
Please pray with me. Dear God, thank you for the story of the mustard seed. May our lives be a place of shelter, comfort, and love for those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Offertory Prayer
Holy One, thank you for stories that illuminate our role in building your Kingdom. May our small gifts today join with others to become shelter, comfort, and love for your people. Thank you for the ways a portion of this offering will allow United Methodists to grow stronger as disciples of Jesus Christ. Amen.
From Discipleship Ministries: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost: God of all blessings, Jesus inspired us through his teaching to see your kingdom as a place where small things can have a mighty impact: a tiny mustard seed planted, or a bit of yeast mixed into the flour. We ask you this day to bless the gifts we offer, so that they may have a powerful impact when used according to your purposes. Bless us that we might see glimpses of your kingdom through our giving and grow in generosity in the process. In name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen. (Matt 13:31-33, 44-52)
Newsletter Nugget
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32 NRSVU
Set aside some time this summer to nurture the seeds of your faith. Create a life with God through prayer and spiritual practices that will renew your soul even in the midst of a seemingly unstoppable pace.
Some of the exercises in“Prayer Practices for Disciples: Creating a Life with God” will soothe the soul while others may challenge or even unsettle your spirit. But each will draw you closer to a loving God who longs to be in relationship with you. Download and enjoy this free resource. https://store.umcdiscipleship.org/product/prayer-practices-for-disciples-creating-a-life-with-god/
This booklet is offered through the Upper Room Ministries of Discipleship Ministries. Discipleship Ministries connects leaders with needed resourcing, training, consulting, and networking that support spiritual formation, new church development, revitalization of local churches, and materials for use in Central Conferences.