Luke 13

Scripture Focus:
“He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’”
— Luke 13:18–19 (NRSVUE)

Reflection

Jesus paints pictures of the kingdom using simple, everyday things—tiny seeds, yeast in dough, a narrow door, a mother hen gathering her chicks. Luke 13 reminds us that God’s kingdom doesn’t arrive with spectacle or noise. It starts small—quietly, humbly—and grows into something expansive and life-giving.

A mustard seed is barely visible, yet it becomes a home for others. A bit of yeast disappears into dough, but it transforms everything it touches. That’s how God works: in hidden ways, in the background of ordinary life, slowly changing hearts and communities from the inside out.

Advent calls us to notice the small beginnings of grace around us. It invites us to trust that even when we can’t yet see the fullness of God’s work, the kingdom is already taking root. Every act of love, every prayer, every seed of kindness we plant becomes part of God’s growing story.

Prayer

God of small beginnings,
You work through quiet moments and humble acts.
Teach us to trust the slow, steady growth of Your kingdom.
When we long for big signs or quick answers,
remind us that You are already at work in hidden ways.
Make us faithful sowers of love,
and help us find joy in the small things
that bear witness to Your presence among us.
Amen.

Practice

Pay attention today to something small—a spark of kindness, a word of hope, a gesture of care.
Pause and give thanks for it.

Then, do one small thing to plant hope in someone else’s life:
write a note, send a message, pray for a friend, or offer a helping hand.
Remember, the kingdom of God grows through small seeds—
and you are one of them.

Copyright © 2025 Ronda Welander