Parable of the Mustard Seed

Understanding the Parable of the Mustard Seed for Spiritual Growth

Discover the profound spiritual lesson behind the parable of the mustard seed. Explore the symbolism and faith in this powerful story.

What Is the Parable of the Seed’s Meaning for Today?

The Mustard Seed Parable, a short, concise story Jesus told and is found in the books of Matthew (13:31–32), Mark (4:30–32), and Luke (13:18–19).

Jesus tells us a simple yet lively story—the parable of the mustard seed—to illustrate a spiritual lesson.  

“The kingdom of heaven (God) is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches” (Matthew 13:31–32).

What is the Meaning of the Parable of the Seed?

In our story here, a man plants a small mustard seed that grows and grows into “the largest of garden plants.”

Despite its slight size and meekness, in time the mustard seed becomes a great tree where many birds find protection perching in its branches.

Like all the Biblical parables, the parable of the mustard seed uses the power of symbolism to illustrate a point and evoke faith.

This simple parable shows us spiritual principles behind life in the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of God is different from the earthly kingdoms we understand. This kingdom is a spiritual kingdom that starts small at first. But like the mustard seed, it will grow until it becomes vast and powerful, so much so, that many people will come to it and find rest.

What is the Lesson of the Parable of the Mustard Seed?

Jesus is telling us that our natural ways of seeing things are turned upside down. In the kingdom of God, the last become first and the smallest becomes the greatest.

Additionally, in the Kingdom of God, we are supposed to grow! The parable of the mustard seed tells us there is amazing growth potential in even small things.

Our internal spiritual life of faith begins small but should grow into something great and powerful! It should grow large enough to help other people in our lives, communities, and the world.

Parable of the Seed

Why Do We Not Experience the Principle of the Mustard Seed’s meaning?

In Matthew 17, the disciples asked Jesus why they could not help a very ill, demon-possessed man.

I don’t know about you, but I too have faced difficulties in life and wondered why I have not seen the results I wanted to see.

Jesus responded to them,

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matt 17:20).

Imagine if you only had as much faith as a mustard seed, you could move mountains. Nothing would hinder you!

You could believe for that next job! Conquer that next project! Be a support for your family! Encourage your neighbors! Cast out demons, heal the sick, and raise the dead! 

Can you imagine it? Faith the size of a mustard seed!

So, here’s my suggestion. Imagine that you have as much faith as a mustard seed. What could you do?

What are you believing for right now?

If you practice lifting your expectation, along with other faith-building strategies, you will soon find yourself with mountain-moving faith.

Jesus said if we have faith like a mustard seed nothing is impossible.

So, what we really need to ask ourselves is if we truly believe that God can do anything in our lives and through our lives.

Jesus’s response to the disciples was that even a little bit of faith is enough.

If I can believe God for something small, it is enough.

That small thing will grow into a big thing.

I know this may be difficult for some of us to wrap our minds around, but all it takes is a mustard seed amount of faith to change our life!

Understand the Parable of the Seed 

  1. Begin to dream again! First thing in the morning, begin to write down things you would like to do or accomplish. Don’t judge them as good or bad, possible, or not possible. Just write them down and let your heart dream!
  2. Practice living with expectation. Practice imagining you have faith the size of a mustard seed. Instead of saying, “I can’t.” Say, “What if. . . “
  3. Put a reminder in your phone app that says, “What if. . . ?” and “I believe God can do anything in my life!

May God bless you with an awareness of His amazing love!

May you grow strong and large in the kingdom of God!

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