Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." (Luke 13:18-19)

Jesus might have made the comparison without either man or garden. But he includes each.

The mustard seed could have been dropped by a bird or blown on the wind, but instead a man planted it in his garden.

In Judaism a great task of humanity is tikkun olam: to heal the world. Through acts of faith and love that which has been broken is restored.

When we care for our garden and plant the seeds which we have, God can transform our modest acts into a great harvest.

The kingdom of God comes may emerge when we cooperate with God.