July 22, 2023

Dear Road Church Friends,

Jesus taught his disciples a lesson we often forget,—the most import things in the world are small,—small things are beautiful, small things are powerful, small things rule. We must not let big things distract us from attending to the small. This is the lesson to be learned from Jesus’ parables about the mustard seed and the yeast. This Sunday we will look at life through the lens of smallness. Gather with us at 10 am.

SERMON:  Small is Beautiful

SCRIPTURE: Mark 10:13-16

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13: 31-35

Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: “I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world.”

THE RIDDLE OF THE WORLD

by John Greenleaf Whittier

The riddle of the world is understood

Only by those who feel that God is good,

As only they can feel who makes his love

The ladder of their faith, and climbs above

On the the rounds of their best instincts, draw no line

Between mere human goodness and divine.

But judging God by what in him is best,

With a child’s trust leans on a Father’s breast.

Blessing to you all,

Pastor Norm

This worship service on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/x7tQb6k2UBQ?feature=share