Posted on: 19th May 2025

“He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32

Until recently, for perhaps obvious reasons, Scotland had never beaten England at cricket. Maybe it is the fact that cricket has the concept of “rain stopping play” which placed them at a disadvantage… On the 11^th of June 2018, Scotland played England in a one-day international. At that time, England were the number one ranked team in the world, and yet Scotland beat England by six runs.

Mustard grows well in temperate regions  - the proper conditions for germination are a cold atmosphere and relatively moist soil. You can scatter the seed easily, but it would be rare in an arid, hot, dry land for it to root and, ultimately, flourish.

For a mustard seed to grow into the largest of all garden plants in first century Judea, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade, is highly unlikely; about as likely as Scotland beating England at cricket. Jesus is talking about us sowing the seeds of the kingdom of God, in an environment which is hostile for mustard trees, just as it was for the kingdom of God; there was rampant corruption and violence from the religious and political leaders, yet in and amongst such a setting, we see the ministry of Jesus, the establishment of the Church, and the writing of the gospels.

History records those small kingdom seeds.

One woman refuses to leave her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama and becomes a defining symbol of civil rights in the US.

One man makes grains of salt illegally on the coastline at Dandi in 1930 and it starts the slow process of unravelling British rule in India.

One man goes to prison on Robben Island for 27 years and during his incarceration, works at his anger until he is left with the desire for peace and reconciliation.

Each of those seeds required many others to protect and nurture it. So, what seemingly impossible yet wonderful things would be a sign that God’s kingdom has overcome the hostile environment?

Some examples may be…

When we don’t have the need for Food Banks in our country any longer.

When all our children can go to bed well-fed, warm and safe.

When survivors of abuse and prejudice feel safe and loved within all of our churches.

Occasionally, the seeds of the Kingdom you have sowed or have helped to nurture might grow into a giant oak of righteousness, or a tree with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade. Unlikely maybe, but possible, just like Scotland beating England at the Cricket.

By Revd Tim Nicholls, Leeds Sanctuary

If you’d like to explore sowing the seeds of God’s Kingdom in a justice-seeking context, find out more about Leeds Craftivists and Social Justice Lunches on the Leeds Sanctuary website: www.leedssanctuary.org.uk