3rd Sunday After Pentecost

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June 13, 2021

Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations (CALC)

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The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 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.

In the original Greek text, Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a “σίναπι,” (pronounced “sinapi”) translated "mustard seed." The seed Jesus referred to in the text was the Black Mustard seed. The Black Mustard plant is an annual plant. It can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall in one season. As it matures its branches become wooden, and thus can support the weight of the many birds that will land on its branches and dine on its seeds.

Seeds are an amazing creation of God. Encapsulated within each seed is a plant. Within each acorn is a blueprint for a giant oak tree. Every plant is dependent on the seed from which it came for its very existence, its life and its growth. Every plant and the seed from which it came are one.

Jesus could have used any seed in this parable to illustrate the kingdom of God, yet, he deliberately used the mustard seed. The mustard seed is a very small and insignificant thing. It is a tiny non-descript seed who does not show its grand potential. For the potential of that seed to be realized, the seed must be sown in good soil, watered and fertilized. God made it that way. Jesus used the powerful image of the seed to point us to the kingdom of God.

The mustard seed points to humble beginnings. R. C. Trench, in his book, “Notes on the Parables of our Lord” beautifully captured the kingdom of God's humble beginning in this quote from his teaching on the parable.

“The Son of Man grew up in a despised province; he did not appear in public until his thirtieth year; then taught for two or three years in neighboring villages, and occasionally at Jerusalem; made a few converts, chiefly among the poor and unlearned and at length, falling into the hands of his enemies, with no attempt at resistance on his own part or that of his followers, died a malefactor’s death upon the such, and so slight, was the commencement of the universal kingdom of God.”

The mustard seed pointed to Jesus himself and the coming and growth of the kingdom of God. From Adam until the first Easter Sunday, when a person breathed their last, and was planted in the earth, decay and desolation followed. Death stung; and the grave was victorious. Jesus promised that when he is planted in the ground, a different result would be achieved. He will be like a seed. He will sprout and he will grow. He will give life and grow the church.

This is the beauty, majesty and depth of the parable of the mustard seed. Jesus declared that in him was the whole Christian church for all time. Like a mustard seed, in him was encased and encapsulated, every Christian of every time and every place, to the very end of this age. You and I were in him. All who came before us, and all who will come after us, were in him.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed speaks to the transformative power of the Gospel in the life of the individual believer. The Gospel of Jesus Christ declares that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. It declares that we are justly condemned by God to death and eternal punishment for our sins. The Gospel declares that Jesus suffered and died for our sins on the cross and by his resurrection opened the gates to eternal life for all who believe in him. It declares that those forgiven have a new start and chance in life. The Apostle Paul declared that the Gospel is a stumbling block for those who seek power, wisdom and miracles. Yet, the Holy Spirit uses these few words to create faith in Christ in some, a faith that can flourish and bear fruit like a mustard plant. The Holy Spirit uses the Gospel to free people from their sins, and the power death and the Devil. Jesus gives them a fresh start each day. They become vessels God can use so that His will is done on earth as it is in heaven.

The daily news reminds us that the church has been, and continues to be, assailed by forces from within and without that work to destroy the unity of the church. In this parable Jesus declares that he is the head of the church, and he is responsible for the life and the growth of the church. Jesus calls us to believe that his church has survived all the attacks against it, will survive the challenges of our time and will continue into the future. He calls us not to give up, or give in. He calls us to continue to believe, to worship, to learn, to serve, and to pray. He promises that if we remain in him, we will grow, like mustard seeds.

In Christ
Pastor Ed Skutshek, President.

MP Garnett Genuis (Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB) informed his constituents and supporters that the final vote on the Government’s Bill C-6 containing a deeply flawed definition of Conversion Therapy could come as early as this Monday June 14th.

Whether the debate ends on Monday depends on how many MPs speak to this legislation in the House of Commons, so we can’t say for sure whether or not the bill will be voted on this Monday.

Please take a moment to view Emmanuel’s story on your social media by clicking here for the YouTube video. His story reminds us why we have to oppose Bill C-6. Share his story with others.

Regardless of what happens on Monday, now is a critical time to contact your MP and share your views on this subject. If you do not receive an answer, please take a moment to leave a message and/or send an email. To find your MP’s contact information, please click here.

Pastor Rick Bergh has produced a podcast series entitled "It's All About the Story: Personal Grief Stories." In this episode Pastor Rick interviewed a paramedic from Saskatoon, SK.

First responders have been forced to adjust the way they provide their service during COVID.

First responder and paramedic, David Kopperud, is here to tell us about the changing landscape of his work as a result of COVID, how paramedics have adjusted to the changing circumstances, and how David personally manages his own mental health in the midst of trauma and loss in in his everyday work.

Click here to access the podcast .

David is the son of son of Pastor Scott and Carol Anne Kopperud, of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Kindersley, SK. Pastor Scott is an Individual Associate Member of CALC.

We need to hear more of these stories from our young adults who still believe and live out their faith.

Online Worship

Click the button below. You will be re-directed to CALC's website. Click on "CALC ONLINE" in the navigation pane at the top of the Homepage and you will be directed to an alphabetical list of congregation's with online worship services. Click and enjoy!!!

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ONLINE WORSHIP & NEWS