Devotional Space for Grace | The Mustard Seed (Matt 13:31-32) | 12.5

[Jim]

December 5th THE PARABLES ​

The Mustard Seed (Matt 13:31-32) ​

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It is smaller than all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than the plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and roost in its branches.

Matthew 13:31-32, The Translator’s New Testament ​

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Context: Each of the Synoptic Gospels records this parable. Mark and Matthew set it in the context of an extended discourse that includes other parables dealing with the issue of people's response to Jesus. The mustard grain is tiny but when fully developed some mustard plants can attain a height of twelve feet but commonly about eight feet with sturdy branches, thus virtually becoming “a tree,” as Jesus said.



Meaning: Jesus' humble origins in backwater Nazareth seemed inconsistent with a conquering Messiah. Fickle crowds at first flocked to Jesus then later turned on him as a despised criminal, clamouring for his execution. Even the impressive ministry of John the Baptist had been felled. Jesus was teaching his followers that this small, humble beginning truly was God's way of inaugurating His Kingdom work, which would result in a mighty, powerful conclusion. Acts 1:15 tells us that that the fledgeling Christian Church was just 120 strong. Now, Christianity has grown throughout the world so that “the birds of heaven” have found “lodging among its branches” with spiritual food, shade, and shelter (Ezek 17:23).


Application: All music, every hymn, every symphony, comes from the octave of just 8 notes. All literature, every speech, every poem, comes from an alphabet of just 26 letters. It is not the big things but the small beginnings which are of paramount importance. Be patient - a door may open very quickly or very slowly, little by little – it matters little but that a person comes to Christ for salvation.

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For who has despised the day of small things? (Zech 4:10) ​

 

[Shelley]

Isaiah 60:22
Berean Study Bible
The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it.
I always think of this and the promise to Abraham when I hear the Mustard Seed parable. Also Jesus was the promised seed that will rule the coming Kingdom that he preached about.