The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Matthew 13:31-32 Amplified Bible
“He gave them another parable [to consider], saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and of all the seeds [planted in the region] it is the smallest, but when it has grown it is the largest of the garden herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air find shelter in its branches.’”
We find in this parable that Jesus is speaking of the Mustard Seed. Luke also speaks of the Mustard Seed in chapter 17 verse 6. It is the well-known saying of Jesus that if you have faith the size of a Mustard Seed you can say to a mountain to throw itself into the sea and it shall happen. The Mustard Seed was the smallest seed of that time. As a point of reference it was said to be roughly the size of a pin head, yet this tiny seed, when fully grown, can become a shrub that can grow to a height of ten feet tall.
The parable is saying that the things of God may appear small and insignificant compared to the things of this world, yet once the Kingdom of God took hold and took off it became much greater than even the Roman Empire, which was immense in size, covering a multitude of countries.
The picture of a tree with birds nesting on its branches alludes to Ezekiel 17:23, which states, “I will plant it on the mountain heights of Israel, that it may grow boughs and bear fruit and be a noble and stately cedar. And birds of every kind will live under it; they will nest [securely] in the shade of its branches.” While it speaks not of the mustard seed shrub, it references birds living on its branches, which in both cases is said to represent the Gentile nations taking refuge in the Messiah and enjoying the blessings of the covenant God had established with all who would believe. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In his name & for his glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Reformation Study Bible
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