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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” Mark 4:31-32

Read: Mark 4:30-32
Listen: Mark 4

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Jesus finishes his teaching about God’s Kingdom talking about plants. He mentions how tiny the mustard seed is and that despite this, the mustard seed eventually becomes a large plant offering much shade and shelter. In teaching about the Kingdom of God, Jesus talks about what he is doing in the world and our role in that work. It’s worth noting Jesus emphasizes the mustard plant provides shade.

The ministry of Jesus is filled with broken, confused and hurting people. Yet, they find rest, peace and healing in him. Jesus is shelter and shade.

As Jesus-followers, we can do the same when we point people to Jesus, who provides shelter and shade. Maybe we befriend and support someone we know is struggling. Perhaps we share our financial resources with someone having a hard time financially. Or we invest in a person or couple going through a difficult time. There are even more ways, so may we be Jesus-followers who do what we can to bring shade and comfort as we point people to the ultimate place of rest—Jesus Christ.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Think about someone in your life who you can offer shelter and shade. Pray for them and ask God to use you to shine a spotlight on Jesus Christ. Then take a step to support and care for that person today.

2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

JEREMIAH 31:33

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here