The Tiny Mustard Seed — Benny B. Bristow

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches” (Matthew 13:31-32).

Even though the mustard plant of Jesus’ day was probably different from the plants we know today, both have similar characteristics. Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven is like these seeds and plants. Therefore, let us consider some of the characteristics of a mustard seed and its plant and compare them to the church or kingdom.

A Tiny Seed

Jesus begins by saying that the mustard seed is tiny, “the least of all the seeds,” but it is capable of producing a large herb or tree. How can such a wonder take place? Because God created it this way. It was God who put such powerful life into this seed!

As God’s children, there may be times when we feel very small and incapable of doing great things in the church. However, we must NEVER forget that the same God who gives success to this tiny seed, can do the same with His children. The apostle Paul believed this, because he wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Anxious To Grow

This tiny seed seems so anxious to grow. As I pour some of these seed into my hand, it is not difficult for me to imagine them saying, “Just put us into the soil, and we will show you how to grow.” Recently I sowed some of these seed that I purchased seven years ago. After watering them in, it was only a very short time before I began to see two tiny leaves appear on each plant. These tiny seed hit the soil ready to grow!

When we have been “born of water and of the Spirit” and entered the kingdom of God (John 3:5), are we this anxious to grow? Or, do we say, “When I get things right, I’m going to seek the kingdom and God’s righteousness first” (Matthew 6:33)? This kind of attitude is NOT being like the mustard seed. We are not born into the kingdom to be permanent babies (Hebrews 5:12). Why is this true? “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe” (Hebrews 5:13). The only way to get off of milk and to receive meat is to grow like a mustard seed.

Bearing Fruit

The mustard plant also grows with a purpose—to produce other seeds. While the plants are producing healthy and delicious food, they are also involved in seed production for the future. This past spring, a hidden mustard plant came up and grew inside the circle of wire for my cucumbers. After a few weeks, the top of this plant was filled with tiny pods bursting with seeds. One little seed had produced hundreds of others!

This is the way that God wants His kingdom or church to grow. Thus, as we live for Jesus and produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23), we are to teach others the saving message of the gospel (Mark 16:15,16). When those taught obey the gospel, they are saved, and the Lord adds them to His church (Acts 2:47). Remember, this is God’s way for His kingdom to grow!

Therefore, let each one of us ask, “How does my life compare to the actions of the mustard seed?”