the kingdom starts as small as a mustard seed

 

Present condition of the kingdom In the Olivet prophecy, Jesus announced that the kingdom would come after certain signs and apocalyptic events. But some of Jesus’ teachings and parables explain that the kingdom does not come in a dramatic way. The seed grows quietly (Mark 4:26-29); the kingdom starts as small as a mustard seed (verses 30-32) and is hidden like yeast (Matthew 13:33). These parables suggest that the kingdom is a reality before it comes in a powerful and dramatic way. In addition to being a future reality, it has reality right now. Let’s look at some verses that indicate the kingdom is already functioning. In Mark 1:15, John announced, "The time has come…. The kingdom of God is near." Both these verbs are in the past perfect tense, which indicates that something has happened and its results continue. The time had come not just for the announcement but also for the kingdom. Jesus said, after casting out demons, "If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you" (Matthew 12:28, Luke 11:20). The kingdom is here, he said, and the proof is in the exorcisms. This proof continues in the church today, because the church is doing even greater works than Jesus did (John 14:12). We can also say, "If we cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is working here." The kingdom of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is continuing to demonstrate its authoritative power over the kingdom of Satan. Satan still exerts some influence, but he has been defeated and condemned (John 16:11). He has been partially restrained (Mark 3:27). Jesus overcame Satan’s world (John 16:33), and with God’s help we are overcoming it, too (1 John 5:4). But not everyone does. In this age, the kingdom contains both good and bad (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, 47-50; 24:45-51; 25:1-12, 14-30). Satan is still influential; we still look forward to the glorious future of the kingdom.