June 16, 2024, Pentecost 4B: "The Greatest of All Weeds"

The Lebanon cedar has been a symbol of power and majesty for centuries. Prized for its strength, resistance to insects, and fragrance, it was a potent symbol of David’s royal house. So it is quite surprising that instead of drawing on the image of the cedar, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard plant! Why would Jesus pick such an unglamorous shrub to symbolize God’s royal reign? What is the freeing truth in such a comparison? Pastor David preaches “The Greatest of All Weeds” based on Ezekiel 17:22-24 and Mark 4:26-34.