The Mustard Seed

Parable #4

MATTHEW 13: 31 & 32; MARK 4: 30 –32; LUKE 13: 18 & 19

Matt 13: 31-32

“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 the

garden plants and

becomes a tree, so

that the birds come

and perch in its

branches.”

Mark 4: 30-32

“The kingdom of God

is like…a mustard

seed, which is the

smallest of all seeds

on earth. Yet when

planted, it grows and

becomes the largest

of all garden plants,

with such big

branches that the

birds can perch in its

shade.”

Luke 13: 18-19

“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 perched in

its branches.’”

The Mustard Seed:

•Sinapis Nigra = Black Mustard Seed

•NOT a tree, it’s a bush that grows

between 8 –15ft tall

•‘the smallest of seeds’ – a

hyperbole like ‘big as a house’

•Everyone knew it is never planted

in a garden! Field! But Jesus said

‘planted in a garden’

•Seeds used for medicine and spice

•Not a perennial –an annual that

lives for a single season

The Mustard Seed cont:

•During the Roman Empire Era,

branches/twigs were used as a

toothbrush

•Mustard seeds were used as a

picture of the ability to grow

exponentially

•Pliny (70ad’s historian) said, “The

mustard seed is extremely beneficial

for health. It grows entirely wild…but

once sown, it is scarcely possible

(impossible) to get the place free

from it as when it falls it germinates

at immediately” - invasive

•All farmers knew you plant

mustard seeds in fields not in

gardens…Jesus said garden 3Xs

•Mustard seeds were perennials

not annuals…had to be

refreshed every year … Ex 16

and the manna…

•Gardens were too small to hold

the seed’s growth and would

consume the garden … what did

He mean…

The Field vs The Garden:

Even though the human heart/soul is limited by a person’s

capacity; the seed of the Kingdom –mustard seed of faith

–expands our ability to spiritually see, do, and experience!

•Matt 17: 20, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a

mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘move from here

to there’ and it will move. Nothing is impossible for you.”

•John 14: 12, “I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do

the works that I do; and greater works than these he (you) will

do, because I am going to the Father.”

“if you have faith as small as a mustard seed…”

Matthew 17: 20

“Faith is being sure of what we hope

for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11: 1

•Sure: “I Know! I Know!”

•Hope: Know now that in future (ASL for hope)

•Certain: True business (ASL sign) – ‘doubt no’

•What we do not see: nothing right now

When the mustard size faith is planted in the

human heart…

•The smallest of all seeds…

•Supposed to be a bush BUT grows to become a huge tree

•Same as manna during Moses’ time – must be daily

attended, fed, taken care of

•Faith in Jesus is invasive! Should ‘take over’ your heart, mind,

and actions

•Brings healing and spice in your life and in others through

your relationships (The birds came and rested in its

branches) – that’s you!

Luke 13: 18 & 19

“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 perched in its

branches.’”