1. Today’s Aims – Explain how Jesus helped people understand the Kingdom of God Jesus Teachings – The Parable of the Mustard Seed

2. The Parable of the Mustard Seed Jesus did not just use parables to explain how people should act He also used parables to help his followers understand the concept of the Kingdom of God TASK – Look back in your jotters… when does the Kingdom of God exist??? RE – CAP QUESTION – what is a parable??

3. The Parable of the Mustard Seed Task 1. What does the parable compare the Kingdom of God to? 2. What does the parable tell us about the Kingdom of God? 3. What is the message for Christians today in this parable? Everything starts from small beginnings. A marathon begins with the first step. A song starts with a first note. A Kilmarnock win starts with the first goal! Life itself begins from a single cell. The Christian religion seemed hopelessly small to begin with. It began with the message of Jesus and within thirty years had spread as far as Rome. Throughout three centuries of fear and persecution it continued to grow. Eventually it became the established religion of the Roman Empire and, eventually the faith with most followers in the World. This parable is, in many ways, the simplest of all Jesus’ parables. The mustard seed is the smallest seed of all but when it is planted it grows into a tree. The tree is typically eight to ten feet tall with branches which are strong enough to support and shelter birds.

5. THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED. Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed which starts off tiny but grows into a tree which can be of help to other creatures. One act of kindness will lead to an increase in goodwill among men and women. Therefore the Kingdom of God comes about when people are more generous and caring to one another, when people acknowledge God, and God in return rewards people with contentment, health and happiness 1.What would happen if everyone started being kind to one another? 2.How would God reward people for being kind to one another?

6. EXTENSION Think back to the parable of the mustard seed… Think of something successful that you have achieved. How did it begin? How did it turn out? Now turn it into a modern day parable. You can either illustrate it, or write it as a story.