Jesus came to earth to save all of mankind from death caused by unrighteousness. We are all sinners, and for that reason we are unable to live eternally with God. Because of God’s great love for his creation, he sent his Son to die on the cross as payment for our sins. When we place our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we receive salvation – and we are granted eternal life. This is the basic truth of Christianity. During the early days of the ministry of Jesus, he taught his followers through a simple parable to help them understand what was developing before their eyes.
“He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field.” Matthew 13:31 (NASB)
The mustard seed Jesus was referring to is a very tiny seed that grows into a large plant. Jesus is the man who planted that seed. As the seed grew, Jesus was joined by his twelve apostles, then many more followers joined in his kingdom, and today there are over two billion Christians. Keep in mind, that two billion does not count the billions of Christians who have died in the last two thousand years. I think it’s safe to say the seed Jesus planted has produced several billion Christians. That is enormous growth!
“This is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:32 (NASB)
Jesus taught that from one man the kingdom of heaven would grow to enormous proportions and his prediction came true – because it wasn’t a prediction at all – he was making a statement of fact. When Jesus shared the parable of the mustard seed, he was fully aware of the potential of Christianity. Jesus is not at all surprised by the billions of followers he has gained. Jesus is in heaven at this moment preparing for his return to establish his kingdom here on this earth. From the beginning of time, Jesus has been in complete control. Our eternal existence in the kingdom of heaven is guaranteed as long as we continue to follow his teaching.
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