Mustard Seed Matthew 13:32
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.
The mustard seed is designed to express the small beginnings of the Gospel dispensation of the ministry of the word, and of the grace of God in the hearts of his people. The Gospel and the Ministry of it, is like a grain of mustard seed, while mustard plants had a minor medicinal value; they were incredibly invasive, and can easily take over an entire field. For example, think of crabgrass or dandelions, they take over wherever they land, emptying the field of the other plants.
Although a mustard seed is very tiny, it can grow into a very large bush. The mustard bush is like a small tree, and birds can rest in it. Small things can have big outcomes. For instance; there were twelve disciples that followed Christ, but their number grew until it spread throughout the whole world later.
This amazing growth has continued down to this day. Who but God knows the true count of the souls that have been saved from sin and damnation? Everywhere the Gospel seed had been planted, souls have been saved and lives have been changed. The church has continued to grow and the Kingdom of God on earth has continued to expand. There will come a day when a vast multitude that cannot be numbered will stand before the Lord in Heaven and praise Him for saving them by His grace,
As we have seen before, Jesus used parables in His teaching to show His followers a comparison to His heavenly kingdom. The parable of the mustard seed shows how the kingdom is like the mustard seed in that it began small, and as it grows, it becomes larger until the second coming.
Let us pray: Dear Jesus, we know you are present in the little things of life. We sense that the seeds of faith which you continue to plant within us will grow, even without our awareness. When we are discouraged, remind us again of this story, this image of growth that we might take the longer view, we might see the bigger picture, and we might be strengthened by the good news that you are not yet through with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
