Great Endings from Small Beginnings
Text: Luke 13:18-21
The Occasion
Jesus healed a woman who had been bent double
for eighteen years
The synagogue official was indignant that this was
done on the Sabbath
Jesus rebuked the official
Jesus opponents were humiliated, and the entire
crowd was rejoicing
The Parable
What is the Kingdom of God like?
It is like a mustard seed that becomes a tree.
It is like leaven hidden in three packs of flour
until it was all leavened
The Appeal of the Kingdom
Your starting point does not matter
The mustard seed
The pinch of yeast
Your past does not determine your future
God brings about the needed change
The seed becomes a tree
The leaven permeates the flour
God will bring about the change in you
The journey results in blessings
The tree becomes a home for birds
The flour becomes the bread, the pastry, and dessert
God wants to make you a blessing
The Vision of Zechariah (chapter 4)
CONCERNING THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit”
says the LORD of hosts. (v.6)
The foundation has been laid, and he will finish it. (v.9)
For who has despised the day of small things? (v.10)
KINGDOM LIFE
Don’t be discouraged with a small beginning
Trust Him to work in you according to His Spirt and His timing
God will fulfill His purposes in you
God will receive glory through you
DECISION TIME
The greatest journeys all begin with the first step