The Parable of The Mustard Seed Explained
Published August 15th, 2019
He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches. (Luke 13:18-19)
The parable of the mustard seed above is a well-known story to many Christians. We’ve all heard it since we were kids. But somehow the real meaning of the parable is lost on many of us. What message did Jesus want us to take out from that story?
Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It’s about the size of a peppercorn. In this parable, Jesus teaches us that all good things must start with small beginnings. That’s why he used mustard seed to show how a small thing could turn into something big. As big as a tree that even birds can make its nests in the tree’s branches.
Our Lord began by saying,
“What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed…”
In today’s time, this is untrue for the Kingdom of God is already widespread that shelters everyone. But back in the day, it was different.
The Kingdom of God is Like a Mustard Seed
In the Bible, Jesus literary states that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. He meant that the Kingdom of God during his time was unseen to the point that it seems insignificant. It was hardly noticed during its start, the same as almost no one pays any attention to a mustard seed. A grain that is so small it was almost difficult to locate in case it fell on the ground.
It was Jesus together with His twelve disciples who were the only part of the kingdom of God. He compared his and his appointed apostles’ strength to that of a mustard seed. He wants to tell us how the Kingdom of God started, how they started with small beginnings that later on grew.
Jesus then proceeds,
“… a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree…”
Jesus implies the sower being none other than Himself.
“And it grew and became a tree” – the mustard grew into a tree. We all know that mustard seed doesn’t grow into a tree but only into a shrub. But Jesus knew that.
What Jesus was trying to teach us is that even if he only had a few preachers, His kingdom will grow and many will follow. By faith, even if it sounds impossible, it will. With the power of God, their task to spread the word to the lost men will spread throughout the world.
He even used a mustard seed again in Mathew 17:20 to emphasize and set an example about faith.
“Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”
This teaches us to have faith in the Lord, our Savior. He tells us that nothing is impossible with him, we all just have to believe him.
At the end of the parable,
“…and the birds of the air made nests in its branches
Jesus was implying that the kingdom of God has room for everyone. Those who follow Him will touch other’s lives and will continue to spread throughout the world.
This parable simply explains to us how the kingdom of God grew from the smallest beginning to a worldwide shelter for everyone.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources.
