One of the topics which Jesus was happy to talk to people about was the kingdom of God. He enjoyed telling his listeners what the kingdom was like and how God’s kingdom grows. Usually he used stories, parables, to teach about the kingdom.
For example Jesus told a story about a farmer who planted a crop and then left the field on its own as he went about other farm duties. Unwatched by the farmer the seeds in the field began to germinate and tiny green shoots pushed up through the soil. The tiny shoots grew taller and stronger and then developed heads of grain. In due time they were ready for the farmer to return and bring home the harvest.
The kingdom of God is like that. It grows unnoticed in a person at first until something happens in the person’s life and they show remarkable inner strength and wisdom in responding to it. Often spiritual maturity develops quietly and deepens as the person learns to trust God’s guidance in making the little decisions they face day by day, so that when a big challenge comes, the person’s response encourages others to turn to God that they too may grow spiritually.
And thus the kingdom grows.
Bible Reading: Mark 4: 26-33; 2 Timothy 3:15-17