31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (Matthew 13:31-32 KJV )
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
The parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) illustrates that the gospel’s beginnings would be small but its growth great.
The gospel is often weak and small at first, like a mustard seed, one of the smallest of all seeds. Christ and his apostles appeared insignificant compared to the powerful of the world. In places where the gospel first breaks out, it is like the dawn of day. In individual hearts, grace begins as a day of small things, like a bruised reed. There is little faith, much lacking, and only groanings too deep for words.
Yet it grows. Christ’s kingdom advanced, making great progress despite opposition. Where grace is true, it will grow, though perhaps imperceptibly. A mustard seed is small, but it has the nature to grow. Grace increases, shining brighter (Proverbs 4:18). It strengthens, knowledge becomes clearer, faith firmer, and love more inflamed.
It will reach great strength and usefulness. When mature, the mustard seed becomes a tree, much larger in those regions than in ours. The church, like the vine brought out of Egypt, has spread and filled the earth (Psalm 80:9-11). God’s people find food, rest, shade, and shelter within it. In individuals, true grace will persist and be perfected. Mature Christians should strive to be useful to others, like the mustard tree providing shelter for birds (Hosea 14:7).