This Sunday (2/20/2011) we will read from what is essentially an essay about Jesus’ life by writer identified by the name Mark.  Specifically, Jesus use of the parable of the mustard seed.  Jesus told these parable to convey good news to His hears, “as much as they could understand.”  It was to His followers that He explained it more fully.  What kingdom quality is Jesus trying to convey to the crowd?  Why is this good news?  What questions about the parable would you have for Jesus is you wanted a better understanding? 

Mark 4:30-34

30Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”
33With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.