Parables of the Kingdom
I have always enjoyed the Parables of the Kingdom. He had a way of making us “Think outside the box.” One of the best things I learned about parables in seminary concerns the best way to approach them. Many people try to understand them an analogies. However, they are best interpreted as a whole using the idea of “How Much More.” We should ask if this is true in this story “How Much More” is it true in the Kingdom of God! 
The Mustard plant in Israel is not the same as what I k ew growing up in New York State. What we called Mustard was more like a grass. In Israel it is a bush. That bush is large compared to other bushes but it’s seeds a small. I like to compare the parable with Sequoia trees. Years ago we went to California to visit the Sequoia forest. I thought it would be great to get a giant pine cone! However, I was surprised to discover the biggest of trees has the smallest of pine cones! Plus the trees are not only the largest, they are also the oldest! So how much more is the Kingdom growing from small beginnings! There is a great example from The Rest of the Story by Paul Harvey. In the late 1800s a family’s home burned and the parents died in the fire. The two children, brother and sister were sent to an orphanage. A short time later the boy died of influenza. The little girl went crazy. Not knowing what else to do with her they locked her in a room in the basement. There was a woman who was responsible for brining the girl her food. She would just slip the food tray under the door. Avout this time evangelist Dwight L.Moody came to town. The woman, being a dedicated Christian went to hear him preach. The message of his sermon was that everyone should do something for themKingdom of God; no mater how small. So she decided that when she brought the girl her food she would stay and read the Bible to her. In time the girl was healed of her mental state. She grew and thrived in the orphanage. Her name was Ann Sullivan. she grew up to become Helen Keller’s tutor! 
I have seen a How Much More example of this parable at the local prison where I participate in Kairos Prison Ministry . Part of the plan in Kairos is to build a community of believers inside the prison. What happen is in this environment is when someone radically changes their behavior others are quick to notice. When they observe this is a positive change they begin to think, “I want some of that.” The they apply to participate in the next weekend event. Over time the general atmosphere of the prison changes for the good! 
How much more is the treasure of God’s Kingdom worth to us! Are we “All in?” 
My friend Bob wasn’t looking for pearls. He was hunting American Indian Rugs, Baskets and Jewelry . He was often delighted to purchase at flea markets and auctions valuable items for a fraction of what they were worth. 
Jesus used familiar scenes to teach in parables. A good example of a “wide net” for the Kingdom were the Billy Graham crusades and the Promise Keeper men’s events. Not all answered the call. It many did. I have met several pastors who came to faith at these events. 
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