The Parable of the Mustard Seed Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 13

He spoke to them only in parables Jesus teaching from a boat by the sea of Galilee, teaching parables about the “kingdom of God” First the parable of the sower Then the parable of the wheat and tares Perhaps the outlook seems a little dismal after these two teachings Then: the parable of the “seed growing secretly” (only in Mark) and the “mustard seed”

The Mustard Seed Very tiny beginnings: “smaller than all the seeds on the earth” (Mark 4:31) Remarkable growth: “the birds of the sky come and find shelter in its branches” (Matthew 13:32) A growing process that takes time, like a farmer who sows his crop and waits patiently (Mark 4:26-29) We don’t tend to like slow movement! We like flashy personalities, fast revolutions, immediate returns! We want to be amazed by something incredible!

God’s Mustard Seeds God’s history with man is full of mustard seeds and mighty deeds! Moses (Numbers 12:3) Joseph (Genesis 45:8) Israel as a nation (Ezekiel 17:22-24) Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-11) The apostles (Acts 4:13 with Matthew 18:18) The citizens of the kingdom (Matthew 5:1-12)

God’s Mustard Seeds “All the trees of the field will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.'" Ezekiel 17:24 NIV cf. II Corinthians 12:9-10 Philippians 4:11-13

We are all mustard seeds Matthew 5:23 I Peter 2:1-3 Ephesians 4:11-16 Does the world observe the growth of the kingdom in us and our lives? Does this parable help you to be patient with your brethren, with your children, with your spouse, with your enemy, with yourself?