Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” 33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds[a] of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. 47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. 52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

Supplies; Mustard seed, yeast, pearl, 'treasure box'

Good Morning! How are you today?
This morning, I was wondering if any of you can tell me what it is like to be in the army. (Let the children say anything they think here). Well, how do you know all of that? Have you ever been in the army? How about you, have you been in the army? It is hard for us to really know what it is like because we haven't been in the army. Who should we ask? That's right, we should ask someone who has been in the army.

In our Bible lesson today, people wanted to know what the Kingdom of Heaven was like. Jesus was the only person who really knew, He was the only one who could tell them (and us) what the Kingdom of Heaven was like. And do you know what he told them? Well, he said it was like this little mustard seed. Does that make it clear? Well, he also said it was like this yeast, and a pearl, and a treasure in a field, and a big fish net.

Does that sound strange to you? It seems a little confusing doesn't it. But lets think about it for a minute. What kind of Kingdom did Jesus tell us about--one of love. What do we know about this mustard seed? That's right! It will grow. And God's love is like that; it can start small but it will grow. And yeast is like that--just a little bit will make all of the bread rise--just a little love can have a big impact.

What about the pearl--and my treasure box (you see I have my mickey mouse watch in there, and my special rock). How can the Kingdom of Heaven be like those things? We may think the pearl and our treasures are very important and very valuable, but God's Kingdom is more important and more valuable than anything we can own.

and there was one more thing. What does a fish net hold? Fish! That's right, how can God's love be like that? Well, just like a big fish net can hold lots of fish, God's love and God's kingdom is big enough for everybody.

So this week, I want you to remember that God's Kingdom is a kingdom of Love. And even a little love can do big things.

Let's say a prayer about that. Repeat after me.
Dear God,
We thank you for your kingdom of love. Help us to show love that will grow, to remember that your love is the most important thing each day, and to know that your love is big enough for all of us.
Amen