The Mustard Seed

Illustration of The Mustard Seed

Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed, the least of all seeds, which when sown in the earth grows greater than all herbs and shoots out great branches. This growth allows the birds of the air to lodge under its shadow, demonstrating how the kingdom begins in small measure yet expands to provide shelter for many as part of God's redemptive work. The parable thus speaks to the crowds of the certain and inclusive increase of divine rule from humble beginnings to widespread blessing.

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Category: Kingdom of God

Meaning: The kingdom starts small but grows to become great, providing shelter for many.

Audience: Crowds

Key Passages

The Parable

Matthew 13:31-32

A31nother parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:

32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Mark's Account

Mark 4:30-32

A30nd he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: 32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

Luke's Account

Luke 13:18-19

T18hen said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

Related

Characters

Life Situations

Did You Know?

1

The mustard seed was the smallest seed known to farmers in first-century Israel.

2

Jesus contrasts its tiny beginning with the large bush it becomes. big enough for birds to nest in.

3

The kingdom starts small and hidden but grows into something substantial and life-giving.