2025.02.09 | When Small Things Become Something Big

Have you ever felt like what you have to offer is too small to matter? Like your faith, your efforts, or even your prayers aren’t making a difference? You’re not alone... I’ve felt that way too. But this week at Hope Community, as we walked through Matthew 13:31-33, something shifted in my heart.

1. Small Beginnings, Eternal Impact

Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed, the tiniest of seeds that grows into a massive tree. It’s a powerful reminder that God often uses what seems small or insignificant to do extraordinary things.

Think about it: Moses was insecure about his speech. David was overlooked by his own family. Peter denied Jesus three times. But God still chose them. And even Jesus, the King of Kings, came as a humble servant.

If you feel too small, too weak, or too broken... you’re exactly the kind of person God loves to use.

2. A Kingdom Without Borders

Jesus said the mustard tree grows so big that "the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." That’s not just a nice image... it’s a picture of God’s kingdom being for ALL people (Matthew 13:32).

No matter where you come from, what you've done, or how far you feel from God... He welcomes you. His love is for everyone, and He invites us to be part of something so much bigger than ourselves.

3. The Kingdom of Heaven is Unstoppable

Jesus also talked about leaven: a tiny bit of yeast that works invisibly, transforming the whole batch of dough. That’s how God’s kingdom spreads... quietly, powerfully, and irresistibly.

Ryan shared a story about a woman who walked away from her faith but encountered a simple TikTok video that led her back to Jesus. That one tiny moment changed her life. God is moving in ways we can’t always see, but He’s always working.

4. Stepping into the Kingdom Adventure

One of the biggest takeaways from this week’s message? God doesn’t want us to just hear about His kingdom. He wants us to step into it.

So many of us feel stuck in our faith. But what if we lived like we actually believed that God is at work in and through us? Whether it’s at work, in our families, or even online, we all have opportunities to reflect Jesus’ love and invite others in.

Personal Reflection Questions

As we meditate on this week’s message, here are some questions to help us apply these truths to our lives:

1. Where do I feel small or inadequate? How can I trust God with that?
2. Who in my life needs to hear about God’s love? How can I share it in a real, authentic way?
3. Do I feel stuck in my faith? What’s one step I can take to live out my faith more boldly?
4. Where do I see God at work around me? How can I join in?

Living Out The Parables

The parables of the mustard seed and leaven remind us that no act of faith is too small, no person is too insignificant, and no heart is beyond transformation. God is at work... even when we can’t see it.

So, what’s your mustard seed moment? What small step of faith is God calling you to take? Let’s encourage each other as we grow together!

And if you missed this week’s message, catch it on our YouTube channel. You won’t want to miss it!

Hope Community, let’s be mustard seeds and leaven... small in ourselves, but powerful in God’s hands.