“He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? ¹⁹ It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”” Luke 13:18-19

“He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; ³² it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32

“He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; ³² yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32

When we read the different versions of the parable of the mustard seed (in the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke), we see that there are variations in the details of the parable.  – look at the variations and ponder why they are different. In one the seed is sown in the field; in another in a garden; and in the third it is sown upon the ground. What do you think would account for the changes – the differences? In two of the versions, the seed grows up to be a great shrub – in the other it becomes a tree. A tree in a garden suggests a fruit-bearing tree in a small space – while a shrub in a field suggests something wild and invasive and out of control. 

When in your life have you experienced faith that was so small – the size of a seed? What has helped your faith grow? When have you felt your faith getting out of control?

Pastor Dave