Mustard
Summary
A plant that grows from a tiny seed into a large herb, used by Jesus to illustrate the Kingdom of God's growth.
☩Jesus's Parable
'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; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19).
☩The Plant
The mustard plant (probably Sinapis nigra or black mustard) grows rapidly in Palestine, reaching heights of ten to fifteen feet. Its branches become sturdy enough for birds to perch on. From a seed less than a twentieth of an inch in diameter comes a plant that dominates the garden.
☩Kingdom Application
Jesus's small group of disciples seemed insignificant compared to Roman power and Jewish religious establishment. Yet from this tiny beginning, the Kingdom would grow to shelter people from all nations. The 'birds of the air' lodging in its branches may symbolize Gentiles finding refuge in God's Kingdom.
☩Faith's Power
Jesus also used mustard seed to illustrate faith's power: 'If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you' (Matthew 17:20). Even the smallest genuine faith can accomplish the seemingly impossible.
