Parable of the Mustard Seed
Parable of the Mustard Seed: Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19
The parable of the mustard seed is one of several parables that Jesus uses to describe the kingdom of God.
Contextual Misunderstandings of the Parable
In this parable of the mustard seed, Jesus make the statement that the mustard seed, "is the smallest of all seeds on earth" (Mark 4:31), and that "it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs" (Mark 4:32), even as big as a tree.
There are those who criticize Jesus for making such statements because if Jesus Christ is God then surely he would know that there are smaller seeds in the world (a few plant varieties have slightly smaller seeds). However, these critics fail to understand that Jesus speaks to people in terms that they can understand. Otherwise, how can communication occur if the audience does not understand?
To Jesus' audience, the smallest known seed would be a mustard seed, which can in fact grow to be a plant as large as a tree.
In addition, Jesus Speaks in Figures of Speech. Saying that this mustard seed is the smallest seed or that it grows into the biggest of shrugs may be exaggeration used to emphasis a point.
Jesus exaggerated in many situations, such as when he tells the Pharisees, "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye." (Matthew 7:5) Or when Jesus tells Peter to forgive, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:22) Jesus is making the point to forgive as many times as necessary.
A related article is Is the Mustard Seed the Smallest of Seeds? (opens in new window)
Reading this parable in context, Jesus' point is not to literally tell us what the smallest seed on earth is. Instead, the reason Jesus is telling this parable is to communicate what the kingdom of God is like, by using a metaphor that his audience could relate to.
Meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed
The truth Jesus is communicating about the kingdom of God is that the influence it has begins like the smallest of seeds, yet it grows to be like the largest of plants. This truth can be seen on the individual, communal, and global levels.
In an individual, the reign of God grows until that person becomes completely obedient to God. In the community, the reign of God can spread from person to person as they teach each other to "know the Lord." (Jeremiah 31:34) In the world, the reign of God began with Jesus Christ like a tiny seed that has grown into a large group of believers obeying God.
The Parable of the Yeast has essentially the same meaning as this parable of the mustard seed.
God's Truth Taught in Stories
Study the parables of Jesus in this easy-to-read 40 day devotional.
This devotional takes the unique approach of
understanding Jesus' parables by examining the genre, scriptural
context, and historical culture. Your life will be transformed by studying the parables of Jesus Christ.
Go to previous parable: Sower and the Four Soils
Go to next parable: The Wicked Tenants
← Back to The Parables of Jesus Christ from Parable of the Mustard Seed
Go to Messiah of God Home
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Biology of Cell confirms Intelligent Design: Irreducible Complexity
The complex biology of the ‘basic cell’ exhibits what has been termed ‘irreducible complexity’ by biochemist Michael Behe, due to the fact that removing even... -
What is love? It's a call to action.
What is love? It's a call to action. Guest post by Ben Byrum. -
Miraculous Physical Healing Explains Salvation: The Truth of Jesus’ Salvation
If you have stage 4 pancreatic cancer, then with current medical technology you have likely not been given any hope for getting better. Your cancer is terminal. In fact, with many diseases... -
Does Science Argue For or Against God?
Probability of the Universe Existing in Coin Flips: Flipping a coin has a 50/50 chance of heads vs tails. How many times do you think you could flip heads in a row with a 50/50 chance? -
Man Finds Single Ominous Bible Page in Wildfire Aftermath
Wildfires in Tennessee have temporarily displaced thousands of people fleeing from the destruction. Over 100 homes have been destroyed, as well as hotels and businesses. Thus far, seven people... -
How to Obey God's Will
Obeying God's will is actually more simple than it seems. The truth is that some actions are good (holy), some actions are bad (sinful), and the majority of actions are completely neutral... -
Doubting After God Answers Your Prayers
Having God answer your prayers can result in overwhelming feelings of joy, relief, and thankfulness. However, sometimes doubt of God's intervention can appear and begin to steal your confidence... -
How to Prove God Exists
For unbelievers, there are only a few ways to prove that God exists, depending on how willing they are to accept God's existence. For unbelievers who are... -
The Lie of Sanctification
Sanctification is a widely accepted belief that bridges the gap between the biblical mandate for obedience to God and the practical application of living a Christian life as... -
God's Definition of Perfect
"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." One of the problems with modern Christianity is the mainstream concept that "It is impossible to be perfect."
Copyright © 2011- – Messiah-of-God.com™ KE Cornerstone
All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy and Affiliate Disclosure
Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
