Parable of the Mustard Seed

Parable of the Mustard Seed

Parable Series - part 2

---

The Parable of the Mustard Seed is one of the most well-known and widely discussed of Jesus’ parables.

Perhaps its simplicity is what has captured our imagination.

The parable itself is only two verses long, and yet, the brilliance of its allusions keeps the discussion alive after nearly two-thousand years.

In the final analysis, the parable of the mustard seed – along with the parable of yeast (covered in Introduction to Parables part I) – paint a dynamic picture of the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of God is a dynamic force. It requires only a small amount to get started. And yet, from that small amout, it permeates all areas of life. 

Once the kingdom of God begins to advance, no man can stop it.  

Mustard Seeds at Beit Shean, Israel

---

We are called to be "kingdom builders." Our job is to plant the seeds where we can. 

Like the mustard seed - our seeds can be small. Yet, through the power of the Holy Spirit, those small seeds grow into a magnificent tree that the kingdom to flourish. ​

---

Parable of the Mustard Seed Class Handout

---

​Listen on SoundCloud

Fig Tree Ministries · #8 Parables part II - Mustard Seed

---

Reference Material:

The first book is by Kenneth E. Bailey. If you want to understand more about Jesus and the Eastern Culture as well as a number of his parables, this book is a must-read.
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels

The second book is by Brad Young and explores many of Jesus' parables through a Rabbinic perspective: The Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation

​
The final book is best if you're further down the road in your studies. The book is a compilation of Rabbinic Parables, but the authors do not spend time going through Jesus' parables. 

They Also Taught in Parables: Rabbinic Parables from the First Centuries of the Christian Era by McArthur and Johnston. ​

---