The Parable of The Mustard Seed
Matthew 13: 31 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, 32 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.”
Mark 4: 30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.
Luke 13: 18 Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”
Luke 17: 5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
1. Small beginnings
Just as the mustard seed starts small and inconspicuous, the kingdom of heaven began humbly with Jesus’ ministry on Earth. During His time, it may not have appeared impressive or influential in the eyes of the world, but it had the potential to grow into something significant and transformative.The mustard seed is a metaphor used to emphasize how the kingdom of Heaven begins as something seemingly insignificant or unnoticeable (like a tiny mustard seed) but grows into something large and impactful (like a mustard tree).
Let’s look at it.
The Irresistible Kingdom as seen by Daniel
Isaiah – of the increase of this Kingdom, there shall be no end meaning the Kingdom increases.
Isaiah 9: 7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
The Kingdom of Heaven is forcefully advancing.
Matthew 11: 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing,[a] and violent people are attacking it.
Each of these scriptures alludes to increase. The Kingdom to which we belong is increasing and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. You see, even if the world around us makes it appear like it is shrinking, remember that just when Elijah thought all had turned to worship Baal, God told him that He had reserved 7,000.
Romans 11: 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? 4 But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
This Kingdom is increasing, and we must rejoice in it.
Jesus started with 12 disciples, but today it has expanded to billions worldwide.
Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can also start small within us— our faith grows like that of a mustard seed.—and can grow to influence all aspects of our lives.
Matthew 17: 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Pray
Heavenly Father, I thank You for small beginnings that lead to greatness. Guide me to recognize my potential and trust in Your hand, as the mustard seed grows into a mighty tree. Amen.
Lord, may Your Kingdom expand in my heart, family, and beyond. Just as Daniel saw a small stone become a great mountain, let Your influence grow relentlessly. Empower me to contribute to its forceful advancement. Amen.
Lord Jesus, grant me mustard-seed faith to move mountains in Your name. Teach me the power of prayer and fasting for personal growth and a deeper connection with You. Amen.
Unite us as Your body, reflecting the growth from 12 disciples to billions reached. Amen.
Lord, I stand in awe of Your irresistible Kingdom. Make me a living stone, spreading Your love and righteousness, transforming myself and impacting others. Give me the boldness to share my faith, knowing that it starts with small steps. Guide me as I advance the cause of the Kingdom of Heaven cause. Amen.
The remarkable growth of the mustard seed into a large tree symbolizes the exponential expansion and impact of the Kingdom of Heaven over time. This growth is exemplified by the rapid spread of Christianity following Jesus’ death and resurrection, as well as the continuous growth of the church throughout history. The mustard seed’s growth is steady and consistent, representing the unstoppable expansion of God’s Kingdom. Despite facing obstacles, opposition, or harsh conditions, the mustard seed continues to grow and flourish, much like the Kingdom of Heaven.
Several scriptures illustrate this growth. In Acts 2:41, it is written that about three thousand souls were added to the church after receiving the word. In Acts 2:47, it is mentioned that the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. In Acts 5:14, it is stated that believers were increasingly added to the Lord, including multitudes of both men and women. In Acts 11:24, it is mentioned that a great many people were added to the Lord due to the good works of a man full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
The Kingdom of Heaven is indeed like a mustard seed, as seen in these scriptures that demonstrate its growth. However, it is important not to confuse church growth with Kingdom of Heaven growth. An increase in the number of churches does not necessarily equate to an increase in the number of genuine disciples of Jesus who are living the kingdom life. Our priority should be to ensure that we are living the kingdom life.
Let us pray
Heavenly Father, I come before You with an open heart, desiring the authentic growth of Your Kingdom within me and around the world. Just as the mustard seed grows steadily and unwaveringly, I ask for genuine discipleship, love, and commitment to the teaching of Your Word to flourish in me. Even in the face of challenges, opposition, or harsh conditions, help me flourish in Your grace. May my faith be as strong as the mustard seed, unwavering and resilient, forming the foundation of my life and ministry. Amen.
Lord Jesus, I seek the continuous expansion of Your Kingdom. Let the exponential growth witnessed in the early church be mirrored today, reaching every nation, tribe, and tongue. As I strive for growth, guide me in living the Kingdom life daily. May my actions, words, and intentions reflect Your righteousness and love, drawing others to You. Just as the mustard seed thrives despite challenges, I pray to remain steadfast in faith, unwavering in my commitment to advancing our Kingdom. Amen.
Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom to understand that true growth in Your Kingdom is about discipleship and transformation, not merely numbers. Help me discern the difference between church growth and genuine Kingdom growth. Let me prioritize not only the expansion of congregations but also the transformation of hearts and lives to align with Your will. May my efforts bear fruit that glorifies Your name. Amen.
Lord, I thank you for the remarkable growth of the Kingdom of Heaven. I praise You for the exponential expansion witnessed in the rapid spread of Christianity and the enduring growth of Your church. Unite me in the purpose of Kingdom expansion. Let me be of one heart and mind with fellow believers, working together to fulfill the Great Commission, reflecting the growth of the mustard seed in our lives. May my life have a lasting impact, transforming others as Your Kingdom continues to expand. Amen.
Heavenly Father, empower me with Your Holy Spirit as I seek to spread the gospel and add to Your Kingdom. Just as believers were added to the Lord daily and multitudes were transformed in Acts, may my good works and unwavering faith draw people closer to you. Grant me the grace and zeal to be an instrument of Your love, leading countless souls to salvation and hope in Christ. Let my life reflect the growth and impact of Your Kingdom. Amen.
3. Insignificance to significance
The mustard seed was considered the smallest of all seeds in the region, and yet it grows into a substantial tree. Similarly, the kingdom of heaven’s growth may have seemed unremarkable at first, but it eventually became a powerful force influencing countless lives.
Matthew 13: 55 Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” 57 So they were offended at Him,
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own country and in his own house.”
The same holds today, and people would often judge you by your earthly lineage, forgetting that you are born of God, a member of the Kingdom of Heaven with the backing of Heaven. We sometimes despise our humble beginnings too. But the kingdom to which we belong is like a mustard seed. It is the least of all seeds, but it grows. You are designed to grow. It is in your DNA to grow. Never forget this.
Pray
Father, I ask for Your protection against judgments and limitations that may be imposed upon me due to my earthly background. Just as Jesus encountered skepticism, grant me the strength to rise above earthly perceptions. I boldly walk in the authority of being Your child, overcoming doubt and fully embracing the divine calling You have placed upon my life.
Heavenly Father, teach me to cultivate a Kingdom mindset. Help me see beyond earthly measures of success and focus on the growth and impact that come from aligning with Your purposes. Let me be transformed by renewing my mind in Your truth.
Lord, grant me the understanding that I carry the authority of Your Kingdom. Regardless of earthly perceptions, I am called to be an impactful agent of change. Just as the mustard seed grows into a mighty tree, may I walk in the authority and influence You’ve bestowed upon me. Amen.
Lord, help me to break free from limiting mindsets that hold me back. Just as Jesus faced disbelief in His hometown, help me transcend the expectations that may confine me. Grant me the courage to step into my calling with confidence, knowing that I am a vessel of Your Kingdom.
Heavenly Father, teach me to cultivate a Kingdom mindset. Help me see beyond earthly measures of success and focus on the growth and impact that come from aligning with Your purposes. Let me be transformed by the renewing of my mind in Your truth.
Heavenly Father, lead me to fulfill my divine potential. Just as Jesus’ significance transcended earthly labels, guide me to live out my purpose in ways that reflect the growth and impact of the Kingdom of Heaven. Empower me to be a vessel of Your irresistible Kingdom.
Lord, ignite in us the understanding that growth is inherent to our nature as Your children. As the mustard seed transforms into a tree, empower me to unleash the God-given growth within me. Let my life reflect the journey from insignificance to the profound impact of Your Kingdom. Amen
Jesus often invoked the imagery of birds in His teachings to remind us of God’s providence. In the Sermon on the Mount, He spoke about the birds of the air, which neither sow nor reap, yet are provided for by our Heavenly Father (Matthew 6:26). This reminder serves as a lesson in trust, inviting us to cast aside worry and place our faith in God’s care.
Furthermore, when Jesus sent out His disciples to proclaim the gospel, He assured them of their immeasurable value. He likened them to sparrows, which are sold for a mere copper coin, yet emphasized that not one of them falls to the ground apart from the Father’s will. Jesus reminds the disciples that they are of more value than sparrows. This teaching underscores God’s intricate involvement in even the smallest aspects of our lives (Matthew 10:29-31).
The mustard seed’s growth into a life-giving tree that shelters birds echoes the symbolism found in Ezekiel’s comparison of the Assyrian kingdom to a majestic tree. This tree represented a powerful kingdom that provided structure and benefit to various nations. Yet, when this kingdom exalted itself above God, it faced condemnation. Ezekiel 31:6
In the same vein, the parable of the mustard seed highlights that the seemingly inconspicuous Kingdom of Heaven will flourish into a life-giving force. Just as the mustard tree offers refuge to birds, the Kingdom will become a source of life and community. The image of birds finding shelter in it’s branches aligns with John’s vision in Revelation (Revelation 21:24-25) of the new Jerusalem, a city that radiates light and welcomes nations and kings.
Pray
Lord, teach me to trust in Your provision, just as You care for the birds of the air. May I let go of worry and place my full reliance on Your care, knowing that every aspect of my life is under Your watchful gaze.
Even now, I bring the following need before You….
Heavenly Father, remind me of my immeasurable worth, as Jesus assured His disciples. Just as sparrows are not forgotten by You, let me understand the depth of Your care for us. Even in the intricate details of our lives. Cause us to experience Your transformative power, becoming an agent of change and a refuge for others.
Lord, guide me to the shelter of Your Kingdom. Let me embrace its life-giving nature and stand as a vessel of its impact. May Your nurturing presence in my life be evident. Just as the Kingdom grows, let me find strength, refuge, and community in Your presence, knowing that Your care extends beyond my comprehension. May my life echo the message of the mustard seed, exemplifying growth and refuge in Jesus’ name.
Heavenly Father, empower me to seek refuge in You. Inspire me to commit to growth, transformation, and the promise of refuge and community in the Kingdom. Just as the mustard seed flourishes, may my life reflect the power of Your Kingdom.
I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The growth of the mustard seed into a tree can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual transformation that takes place within individuals as they become part of the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as a small mustard seed grows into a large and mighty tree, our faith has the potential to flourish and bear abundant fruit. Through faith, we can gain an understanding of the mysteries of God’s Kingdom and receive the blessings that await us.
Praying for our faith to grow is not just limited to our own personal journey, but we can also intercede on behalf of others, asking God to touch their hearts and ignite within them a fire of faith. As we pray for our loved ones and the wider community like The Watchers, our prayers can act as a catalyst for spiritual growth and transformation.
Pray
Heavenly Father, as the mustard seed grows into a tree, I pray for my own spiritual transformation within the Kingdom of Heaven. May my faith flourish and yield abundant fruit, leading to a deeper understanding of Your mysteries and blessings.
Lord, ignite a fire of faith in the hearts of my loved ones and the Watcher community. Just as I seek growth, I intercede on their behalf, asking for their spiritual transformation. Let my prayers be a catalyst for their journey toward You.
Heavenly Father, let the promise of abundant blessings within the Kingdom resonate within me. Like the mustard seed’s potential realized as a tree, help me experience the fullness of Your blessings as my faith deepens and transforms.
Lord, empower me to share the message of spiritual transformation with others. As the mustard seed’s growth symbolizes change, may my life and words serve as a testimony of how faith can lead to a remarkable transformation. Let my example inspire those seeking change.
Grant me a flourishing faith that stands strong in all circumstances. Just as the mustard seed thrives into a tree, let my spiritual transformation be evident in my actions, thoughts, and interactions. May my life reflect the beauty of Your Kingdom within me.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
In conclusion
The parable of the mustard seed resonates with profound lessons about the Irresistible Kingdom of Heaven. From its small beginnings to remarkable growth, from insignificance to significance, and its role as a shelter for all, the mustard seed serves as a powerful metaphor for the transformative journey within us. Just as the Kingdom expands beyond imagination, so does our faith, which has the potential to flourish and bring forth abundant fruit.
As we intercede for others’ spiritual growth and embrace our role in this flourishing Irresistible Kingdom, we are reminded that our faith, like the mustard seed, can become a source of profound transformation for ourselves and the world around us.
Dear Watcher Temitope let us continue to nurture our faith and stand firm in the promise of an ever-expanding Kingdom that is so powerful it can never be defeated.
Here are 10 declarations based on today’s Watch. Use them throughout this week:
- I am thankful for small beginnings that lead to greatness, and I trust in the Holy Spirit’s divine guidance that helps me recognize my potential and grow in faith.
- I am dedicated to expanding the Kingdom of God in my heart, my family, and beyond, with relentless faith and contribution to its forceful advancement.
- I seek mustard-seed faith to move mountains and embrace the power of prayer for personal growth and a deeper connection with the Lord.
- I will remain resilient and unwavering in my faith, standing as part of God’s united body, spreading the Good News, and reflecting the growth from a few to billions reached.
- I aspire to be a living stone, spreading love and righteousness, transforming myself and others, and taking small steps to advance the cause of the Kingdom of Heaven.
- I desire authentic growth in faith and unwavering commitment to the teachings of the Word, flourishing in grace even in the face of challenges.
- I strive for the exponential growth of the Kingdom of God, living righteously and lovingly, drawing others to the faith, and remaining steadfast in commitment.
- I seek wisdom to discern true growth in the Kingdom through discipleship and transformation, prioritizing the alignment of hearts and lives with God’s will.
- I praise God for the Kingdom’s growth, and I am united in purpose with fellow believers, working to fulfill the Great Commission and to have a lasting impact.
- I seek empowerment by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel, and I strive to draw people closer to God, reflecting the growth and impact of the Kingdom.
