Lesson 10: The Parables of the Mustard Seed & Leaven

The Parable of the Mustard Seed: The Narrative “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…”“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…” –The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven were told perhaps to encourage the disciples about the nature of the kingdom’s growth. –The mustard seed was proverbial for its smallness Often set out in the open field, as it grows to feet with branches spread out like a treeOften set out in the open field, as it grows to feet with branches spread out like a tree –Used to describe anything that is small in its beginning Matt. 13:31-32; Mk. 4:30-32; Lk. 13:18-19

The Parable of the Mustard Seed: The Narrative “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…”“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…” –The kingdom “seemed” to have a small and insignificant beginning Christ did not have qualities often associated with the establishment of a great empireChrist did not have qualities often associated with the establishment of a great empire –“a tender plant, as a root out of dry ground” (Isa. 53:2) –Reared in a despised town (Matt. 2:23; John 1:46) –No formal training (John 7:15) –No great wealth (2 Cor. 8:9; Luke 9:57) –No political fame –Rejected by His own people (John 1:11; 7:5; 6:66) Matt. 13:31-32; Mk. 4:30-32; Lk. 13:18-19

The Parable of the Mustard Seed: The Narrative “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…”“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…” –The kingdom “seemed” to have a small and insignificant beginning Christ did not have qualities often associated establishment of a great empireChrist did not have qualities often associated establishment of a great empire Christ’s apostles, mostly, were not men with formal training, but were plain, working men (Acts 4:13)Christ’s apostles, mostly, were not men with formal training, but were plain, working men (Acts 4:13) Jesus was put to death, which usually signals the termination of a king’s reignJesus was put to death, which usually signals the termination of a king’s reign –From a human point of view, Christianity had little chance of succeeding. Matt. 13:31-32; Mk. 4:30-32; Lk. 13:18-19

The Parable of the Mustard Seed: The Narrative “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…”“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…” –Christ’s kingdom was characterized by tremendous growth Prophesied in O.T. (Isa. 2:2-4; 11:9)Prophesied in O.T. (Isa. 2:2-4; 11:9) –“And the stone…became a great mountain and filled the whole earth” (Dan. 2:35-44). From 120 to 3,000 in one day (Acts 2:41-47)From 120 to 3,000 in one day (Acts 2:41-47) Soon grew to 5,000 (Acts 4:4)Soon grew to 5,000 (Acts 4:4) Continued to multiply (Acts 6:7; 9:31)Continued to multiply (Acts 6:7; 9:31) Become “myriads” in just one city (Acts 21:20)Become “myriads” in just one city (Acts 21:20) Matt. 13:31-32; Mk. 4:30-32; Lk. 13:18-19

The Parable of the Mustard Seed: The Narrative “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…when it is grown… becomes a tree, so that the birds…”“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…when it is grown… becomes a tree, so that the birds…” –The growth of the kingdom has proven beneficial to the whole world, but especially those who take refuge in its “branches.” –The remarkable nature of the growth of the kingdom is emphasized in this parable—from a small, insignificant beginning to a large outcome. –We must not despise that which is small, as being inconsequential (cf. Zech. 4:10). Matt. 13:31-32; Mk. 4:30-32; Lk. 13:18-19

The Parable of the Leaven: The Narrative “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven”“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven” –Leaven is a small piece of fermented dough used to ferment other dough. –A small amount of leaven is able to influence the larger mass with which it comes in contact. –Once inserted into a batch of dough, it continues its process of fermentation until the whole batch has risen. Matt. 13:33; Lk. 13:20-21

The Parable of the Leaven: The Narrative “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven”“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven” –The kingdom of heaven worked in a reserved and dignified way. The simple ministry of Jesus was foretold (Isa. 42:1- 4; cf. Matt. 12:18-21).The simple ministry of Jesus was foretold (Isa. 42:1- 4; cf. Matt. 12:18-21). The influential nature of the kingdom is emphasized:The influential nature of the kingdom is emphasized: –The kingdom was not characterized by force (John 18:36; 2 Cor. 10:4ff). –It was not accompanied with pomp (Luke 17:20-21; Matt. 6:2ff). –It was to be salt (Mt. 5:13) & light (Mt. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:15). –The power of example is emphasized (Mark 3:14; 1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 4:9; 1 Pet. 5:3). Matt. 13:33; Lk. 13:20-21

The Parable of the Leaven: The Narrative “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven… till it was all leavened”“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven… till it was all leavened” –The growth of the kingdom will be pervasive. It will permeate and spread throughout the worldIt will permeate and spread throughout the world Its growth is reserved, dignified and often unnoticeable or “invisible” (like leaven), yet real and happening nonetheless.Its growth is reserved, dignified and often unnoticeable or “invisible” (like leaven), yet real and happening nonetheless. –The growth of the kingdom will be complete. No part of the dough/loaf/world will be untouched.No part of the dough/loaf/world will be untouched. It reached the whole world in 1 st century (Col. 1:23).It reached the whole world in 1 st century (Col. 1:23). We see the leavening influence of the seed in the growth of the church and its influence in society.We see the leavening influence of the seed in the growth of the church and its influence in society. Matt. 13:33; Lk. 13:20-21

Parables of the Mustard Seed & Leaven: Lessons Learned Christianity’s powerful influence is evidence of its divine origin.Christianity’s powerful influence is evidence of its divine origin. Pompous techniques are not essential to the gospel’s success.Pompous techniques are not essential to the gospel’s success. We must patiently allow the mustard seed to grow & the leaven to work.We must patiently allow the mustard seed to grow & the leaven to work. Don’t lose heart. Don’t measure the growth/success of the kingdom solely by visible standards.Don’t lose heart. Don’t measure the growth/success of the kingdom solely by visible standards. Both of these parables demonstrate how the gospel works from “within.”Both of these parables demonstrate how the gospel works from “within.” Do your part to plant the seed and to be a leavening influence for righteousness.Do your part to plant the seed and to be a leavening influence for righteousness. Christianity is contagious.Christianity is contagious.