In this post we will be looking at the third teaching parable of the kingdom of God that Jesus gave. Matthew 13 is filled with several parables Jesus gave about the kingdom of God. At the heart of Jesus’ teachings is the kingdom of heaven and he wanted the disciples to understand this even if it meant him telling several parables to help them understand. After using the parable of the soils and the weeds to explain the kingdom of God to the disciples, Jesus gave the parable of the mustard seed in verses 31-32.
Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”
This same parable is repeated Mark 4:30-32 and Luke 13:18-19. Unlike the first two parables Jesus gave about the kingdom of God, He didn’t explain this one. So this leaves room for us to interpret it as the Holy Spirit helps us understand.
Interpretation
Jesus Christ in His teaching used things that were known to reveal things that were not known. The mustard seed is very small; so small that your breath can blow it away. It was the smallest seed a farmer used. The disciples knew what the mustard seed was but they were still yet to grasp the concept of the kingdom of God. Jesus used this parable to show that the kingdom has small beginnings but will grow and produce great results.
It is important to note that at the time, majority of people still didn’t believe in Jesus Christ. Some believed in the kingdom of God but not in the way it was being presented by Jesus Christ. So really, Jesus and his team were the minority in terms of numbers. It’s possible that then, the disciples didn’t imagine that christianity will grow as much as it has now. Jesus used this parable to explain to them that although christianity was starting small, it was going to grow into a worldwide community of believers.
As believers, when we feel alone in our stand for Christ, we should realise or remember that God is building a worldwide kingdom. There are many faithful followers of Christ in every part of the world. This reminds me of the story of Elijah when he was running away from Jezebel in 1 Kings 19. He thought he was the only one who had not bowed down to the idol Baal but God told him that there were 7000 others who haven’t either.
Isn’t it funny how sometimes we get into our feelings and start thinking that we are the only ones experiencing persecution or the only ones who think this race is tough and still trying to stay faithful? There are millions of other people equally in the same boat. The beauty of this is that we all can put our faith together to accomplish great things for the kingdom regardless of the obstacles we are facing.
This parable i believe was also to help people understand that although Jesus Christ came small, what His kingdom is about, isn’t small. The general expectation among Jesus’ hearers was that the Messiah would come as a great king and leader. But Jesus’ kingdom was beginning quietly and small. Just like the mustard seed that grows into an enormous tree, the kingdom of God would eventually push outward to change the world.
I would like to end this post by sharing a beautiful moment i had yesterday as i was writing this blog post. I had an email notification and as i read the email trail, i was again blown away by the heart God has given to my 8 years old and 7 years old daughters. The below snapshots shows the email trail between them both.
The timing of the email was so right and i believe that the Holy Spirit was using it to explain the concept of a mustard seed to me. They are kids but they believe wholeheartedly that this dream of theirs will come to pass. This isn’t the first time we are hearing of it. They have been planning actively for a few weeks now on this thing they want to do to help the underprivileged.
Just like my little girls, the kingdom of heaven didn’t start big and as such many despised it. But whether it was despised or not, the kingdom of heaven has come to stay and it growing everyday. We are privileged to be a part of it.
**Side note. If you are wondering why they had to send emails to each other while at home, it is because they wanted me to know about the seriousness of their idea. We opened email accounts for our kids early mainly because we didn’t want their names to be taken when they were old enough to have open an email account. Also i wanted to have a place where everything i write to them are kept safe because notes, journals and cards were going missing. They don’t have phones or tablets. I am not bashing anyone who does that but it isn’t the way we have chosen to raise our kids. They use the desktop that is positioned in the living room. They know they are not allowed to give their email address to anyone. Everything they do is linked to my phone and that of their dads. So yeah, we have our safety measures in place :)**
So much wisdom in this parable. Sometimes we see our gifts, our Talents, our ministry, our offerings,
Our contributions As small as that mustard seed. And In the midst of the greats, the louds, the strongs, we sometimes underestimate ourselves, we devalue ourselves. We become fearful, Shy and intimidated. This parable helps me to understand that my small is valuable. My small have purpose. Thanks Efua. 🙏
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True sis. May we never undermine our days of small beginnings
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He is the vine and we are the branches. Also, I love how Christ talked about birds because Psalms and other places of scripture show us that we can rest under God’s wings. He takes care of us.
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Thanks sis. He sure knows how to care for us
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I love this Efua and using the example of your children fund raising really emphasize the point about the kingdom of God. It reminds of Jesus humble begining on earth, but when He returns He is coming as King of kings. That is huge. Keep up the good work with your kids. God bless you.
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Thanks sis💕
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Thank you for this
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Thanks for stopping by
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👍
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🙌🏻🙂Awesome Efua, I have enjoyed this post. Where Elijah thought he was the only one left, God had reserved 7000 other prophets. What a joy and inspiration to know that there is no temptation that has taken us, but such which is common to man. Others somewhere are going through similar and even more challenging situations than us, so we can be confident that God will see us through because the foundation of the Lord standeth firm for the Lord knows those who are His.
The last part about your daughters was also awesome, and how you are raising them in the fear and wisdom of God. I believe if we could all seek God’s face on how to raise our children, there is that custom made package peculiar for each and everyone of us, but will achieve the same results of bringing up the children in the way they should go.
That is the wisdom of God. God bless you Efua, keep on imbibing the word and keep on enlightening the community.
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Such a joy indeed to know we are not alone in our walk of faith. We do it together as a family scattered all over the globe. Thank you so much for your comment. God bless you bro. George
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Loved this post all the way around! May the Lord bring your girl’s vision to fruition for the glory of His Great Name!
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Amen. Thanks for your comment. God bless you
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