The Kingdom Is Like: A man who scatters seed...

He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground.²⁷Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ²⁹As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." (Mark 4:26-29)

When we think of a kingdom, we tend to think of medieval times where territories were ruled by kings, protected by castles, and defended by knights. We think of ancient empires that expanded their geographical boundaries by conquest.

The word "kingdom" in the New Testament literally means "rule." The kingdom of God can also be translated "the rule of God." That it, it speaks of God's rule--leadership/ownership--in the lives of those who have trusted His Son, Jesus Christ for salvation. The kingdom of God is not defined by geographical borders... it is made up of those who have pledged allegiance to Him. The kingdom of God is not the local church, but the local church is a part of God's kingdom.

There are several teachings in the Gospels where Jesus begins by saying, "This is what the kingdom of God is like." In each, he gives an illustration, each of which gives us a picture of the kingdom. In today's Scripture, we are told the kingdom of God is like a farmer who is scattering seed. Once the seed is cast, it then grows on its own, without the farmer's help. The power is not in the farmer, but in the seed.

There is power in the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When this seed (message) hits the willing heart (soil) it will sprout and grow.

We learn here that God's Kingdom is both powerful and expanding. As members of His kingdom, we are to scatter His seed. He will take care of the rest!