靈修分享 - 芥菜種的信心：從微小到偉大

芥菜種的信心：從微小到偉大

Faith Like a Mustard Seed: From Small to Great

1. 配合主題的詩歌 | Worship Song

“Still” – Hillsong Worship

這首詩歌提醒我們，在神的掌權下，我們能夠安息，並信靠祂的帶領。當我們的信心如芥菜種般微小時，神仍然在掌權，並會帶領我們經歷成長和突破。

Lyrics | 歌詞

Verse 1:

Hide me now

Under Your wings

Cover me

Within Your mighty hand

Verse 2:

Find rest my soul

In Christ alone

Know His power

In quietness and trust

Chorus:

When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with You above the storm

Father, You are King over the flood

I will be still, know You are God

2. 主題經文 | Key Scripture

「他又設個比喻對他們說：『天國好像一粒芥菜種，有人拿去種在田裡。這原是百種裡最小的，但長起來卻比各樣的菜都大，且成了樹，天上的飛鳥來宿在它的枝上。』」（馬太福音 13:31-32）

“He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 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.’” (Matthew 13:31-32, NIV)

3. 經文背景與默想 | Context Reflection

I. 天國的謙卑起點與偉大成就 | The Humble Beginning and Great Fulfillment of the Kingdom

芥菜種的比喻揭示了神國的特質：它以微小的起點開始，但最終會成長為具有巨大影響力的國度。耶穌的門徒當時規模不大，看似微不足道，但神國的影響力已經超越了歷史的局限，成為萬民的祝福。

This parable illustrates the nature of God’s kingdom: it starts small and seemingly insignificant, yet it grows into something impactful and transformative. Jesus and His disciples began their ministry humbly, but the kingdom’s influence has spread throughout history, becoming a blessing to all nations.

II. 神國的普世性 | The Universal Reach of God’s Kingdom

「飛鳥宿在枝上」的圖像聯繫到《以西結書》17:23 和《但以理書》4:12，象徵神國的普世性。天國不僅是給以色列人，更是為全世界所有渴望神的人所預備的，在神的國度裡，每個人都能找到庇護、恩典和祝福。

The image of birds perching in the branches connects to prophetic visions in Ezekiel 17:23 and Daniel 4:12, symbolizing the inclusion of all nations in God’s kingdom. This emphasizes that the kingdom is not just for Israel but for all people, bringing shelter, grace, and blessings.

III. 對門徒的鼓勵 | Encouragement for the Disciples

耶穌的門徒當時面對的是壓倒性的困難與阻力，他們的開始看似微不足道，但耶穌用這比喻鼓勵他們，相信即使是微小的信心和努力，都能參與神國的偉大計畫。神的國會按照祂的時間與方式成長，並帶來超越人所能想像的影響力。

At the time, Jesus’ disciples faced overwhelming challenges and resistance. This parable encouraged them to see beyond the small beginnings and trust that their faith and work, though seemingly insignificant, would contribute to God’s greater plan. God’s kingdom would grow in His timing and through His power.

IV. 與其他天國比喻的連結 | Connection to Other Kingdom Parables

芥菜種的比喻與《馬太福音》13章其他天國比喻形成漸進式的啟示：

• 撒種的比喻（13:3-9, 18-23）：天國的福音被傳播，帶來不同的回應。

• 稗子的比喻（13:24-30, 36-43）：天國與惡的勢力暫時共存，直到最終審判。

• 芥菜種的比喻（13:31-32）：天國雖然開始微小，但最終將成為充滿祝福和力量的國度。

The parable of the mustard seed is part of a series of kingdom parables in Matthew 13. Together, they present a progressive revelation of the kingdom:

• The Parable of the Sower (13:3-9, 18-23): The message of the kingdom is sown and received in different ways.

• The Parable of the Weeds (13:24-30, 36-43): The kingdom coexists with evil until the final judgment.

• The Parable of the Mustard Seed (13:31-32): The kingdom starts small but grows into something impactful and filled with blessings.

4. 反思問題 | Reflection Questions

1. How does this parable challenge your perspective on what is “small” or “insignificant” in your ministry, vision, or personal life?

這個比喻如何挑戰你對於事工、異象或個人生命中「微小」或「微不足道」的看法？

2. In what ways have you seen God use small beginnings to produce significant results in your church or community?

你曾經在哪些方面見證神使用微小的開端產生了重大影響？這是否鼓勵了你？

3. How can you plant seeds of faith today that will grow into something impactful for God’s kingdom?

你今天可以如何撒下信心的種子，讓它成長為神國中有影響力的事物？

4. What steps can you take to nurture and grow the “mustard seeds” of faith in yourself and others?

你可以採取哪些步驟來培育並成長自己或他人生命中的「芥菜種信心」？

5. 彼此分享 | Group Sharing

輪流分享你對反思問題的想法，並分享任何神使用微小信心或順服行動帶來重大結果的親身經歷。也可以分享今天經文中或其他經文對你生命的提醒與鼓勵。用神改變生命的見證彼此勉勵。

Take turns sharing your thoughts on the reflection questions. Share any personal experiences where God used a small act of faith or obedience to produce significant results. Reflect on a particular verse from today’s scripture or another passage that has encouraged you personally in your journey of faith. Encourage one another with testimonies of God’s transformative power.

6. 結束禱告 | Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for teaching us through this parable that Your kingdom starts small but grows beyond what we can imagine. Help us to trust in Your timing and power, even when our faith seems small. Give us the courage to sow seeds of faith, knowing that You are the one who brings the increase. May our lives be a testimony of Your kingdom’s expansion and grace.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.