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The Mustard Seed

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" Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 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." Matthew 13:31-32



Jesus often spoke in parables to communicate a singular point or truth. A parable is a method of communication like an illustration. The word parable means: to throw something alongside something else. So, Jesus would throw a parable alongside his declarations of truth. 

The main thing to keep in mind when trying to interpret a parable is that it isn't usually an allegory. Not every word in a parable has some hidden meaning.

In this parable, as in most of His parables, He is communicating a truth about the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, it starts small but it finishes being great.

On this earth, the kingdom of God appears small and insignificant. Most of the world chooses to ignore God and live their own way.

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."Matthew 7:13-14

Not many people enter the gate to the kingdom of God, because it is small and difficult. In fact, it's foolishness to unbelievers, that's how insignificant it seems.

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

Part of the difficulty of living in this world is that we, as Christians, can even get caught up thinking that the gospel isn't worth it - but it is! The Kingdom of God won't stay small for long.

Christ will one day return, and the Kingdom, which was here in part in the Church, will come in full in the new heavens and the new earth. In the end the gospel will be revealed to all as the greatest reality that it is. 

Birds will come and lodge in its branches. All nations, tribes, and peoples will be gathered and find their rest and shelter in God's kingdom. Those who have struggles on the narrow path will be lead to life. 

What a glorious hope we await! Struggle on dear Christian and be encouraged in the great God of the glorious gospel we serve. Though it seems small now, it will be worth everything in the end!



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