The Parable of the Mustard Seed Matthew 13:31-32.

The Parable of the The Parable of the Mustard SeedMustard Seed

Matthew 13:31-32

The Kingdom Would Have a The Kingdom Would Have a Small BeginningSmall Beginning

• Kingdom compared to the mustard seed• 20,000 seeds to make one ounce• Produces a very large plant• Can grow 10-12 feet in a few weeks

As a tiny seed will grow into the largest of garden plants, so God’s kingdom will produce many people

who truly believe!

The Mustard SeedThe Mustard Seed

• The Plant• The smallest of seeds• 10-15 feet in height• Shelter for birds

• Proverbial Uses• Used frequently to describe anything that is

small in its beginning

Mustard Seed Faith!Mustard Seed Faith!

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.”

Matthew 17:20

The Meaning of the ParableThe Meaning of the Parable

• Kingdom of Heaven would have a small beginning• Old Testament prophecy foretold this

• Messiah: Isaiah 11:1; 53:2-3• Kingdom: Daniel 2:35, 44

“The Son of Man grew up in a despised province; He did not appear in public until His thirtieth year; then taught for two or three years in neighboring villages, and occasionally at Jerusalem; made a few

converts, chiefly among the poor and unlearned; and then falling into the hands of His enemies, died the shameful death of the cross; such, and so

slight, was the commencement of the universal kingdom of God.”-- C. Trench, Notes on the Parables of our Lord


• Its growth would belie its humble beginnings• Growth of the church in the first century

confirmed the truth of Jesus’ parable• 120 to 3,000 in one day: Acts 2:41-42• Soon 5,000: Acts 4:4• Continued to multiply: Acts 6:7• Throughout cities: Acts 9:31• Many believers in Jerusalem: Acts 21:20


• Its growth would benefit the world• In regard to the kingdom, Paul wrote:

• Those seeking rest for their souls, Jesus offers His invitation:• Matthew 11:28-30

“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 14:17

Today, the kingdom of Heaven continues to grow and spread out its branches to those who will accept it.

The Growth of the KingdomThe Growth of the Kingdom

• There is the “mathematical possibility”• 20 disciples converting one person a year,

then their converts doing the same:• Year 1 – 40• Year 5 – 640• Year 10 – 20,480• Year 15 – 655,360


• There is the “spiritual possibility”• “Seed” of the kingdom – the Word of God

• “Seed” which is incorruptible• 1 Peter 1:23-25

• “Seed” capable of producing• Isaiah 55:10-11

This parable This parable declares that the declares that the

kingdom will grow!kingdom will grow!


• What is needed is people• People with vision• People willing to put

the kingdom of Godfirst in their lives!• Matthew 6:33

• People willing to abidein Christ• John 15:4-8

ConclusionConclusion

• The potential for the kingdom’s growth rests in the person who reigns as its king!• Philippians 4:13

“The Parable of the Mustard Seed”

An encouragement – kingdom of heaven is destined for great things, though its beginning was smallA reminder – that if we are going to be useful to the Master, we must “abide in Him” so we can “bear much fruit”

The Parable of the Mustard Seed Matthew 13:31-32.

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