07/30/21 Parables of Jesus #6 — The Mustard Seed (Mat.13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19)

Matthew 13:31-32 (ESV) 31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

13:32 “a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches”: Palestinian mustard plants are large shrubs, sometimes up to 15 ft. high—certainly large enough for birds to lodge in. This is undoubtedly a reference to several OT passages, including Eze 17:23; 31:6; Da 4:21—passages which prophesied the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom… The tree represents the sphere of salvation, which would grow so large that it would provide shelter, protection, and benefit to people. Even unbelievers have been blessed by association with the gospel and the power of God in salvation. Christians have been a benediction to the world. [The MacArthur Study Bible]

God has always intended that His kingdom, His influence would expand as believers model godly living and tell their acquaintances the Good News of Jesus. Let’s make sure we believers are doing our part!