THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED

Matthew 13:31–33

Introduction:

(1) A parable is an apparently simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson; to teach a great
truth or to challenge the hearers to change their own behavior. If we focus on the Bible, a common description of a
parable is that it is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. For a time in His ministry, Jesus relied heavily on
parables. He told many of them; in fact, according to Mark 4:34, “He did not say anything to them without using a
parable.” There are about 35 of Jesus’ parables recorded in the Synoptic Gospels.

(2) It had not always been that way. In the early part of His ministry, Jesus had not used parables. Suddenly, He begins
telling parables exclusively, much to the surprise of His disciples, who asked Him, “Why do you speak to the people in
parables?” Mathew 13:10..

(3) Jesus explained that His use of parables had a two-fold purpose: to reveal the truth to those who wanted to know it
and to conceal the truth from those who were indifferent. In the previous chapter (Matthew 12), the Pharisees had
publicly rejected their Messiah and blasphemed the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:22-32). They fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy
of a hardhearted, spiritually blind people (Isaiah 6:9-10). Jesus’ response was to begin teaching in parables. Those
who, like the Pharisees, had a preconceived bias against the Lord’s teaching would dismiss the parables as irrelevant
nonsense. However, those who truly sought the truth would understand. Matthew 7:28-29 And so it was, when Jesus
had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority,
and not as the scribes.

A quick summary: In “The Parable Of The Sower”, we learnt that only one soil of four would be truly receptive to the
Word sown. In “The Parable Of The Wheat And Weeds”, we learnt that Satan would be doing his best to undermine
the efforts of the Sower.

The Parable is of the mustard seed is contained in all three of the synoptic gospels (Matthew 13:31-33; Mark 4:30-32;
Luke13:18-19). In this Parable, Jesus predicts the amazing growth of the Kingdom of Heaven. The mustard seed is
quite small (1 to 2 millimeters in diameter), but it grows into a large shrub up to 9 meters (that is around 2-3 stories).
What made the mustard seed so magnificent was their massive capacity for growth.

What can we learn from this Parable?
1. The kingdom of heaven would have a small beginning, but its tremendous growth would lie its humble beginnings.
The growth of the church in the first century A.D. certainly confirmed the truth of Jesus’ parable:
The 120 disciples grew to over 3000 just in one day – Acts 2:41-42; It was soon about 5000 – Acts 4:4; The number of
the disciples continued to “multiply” In Jerusalem – Acts 6:7; Throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria – Acts 9:31;
Years later, there were “myriads” of believers just in Jerusalem alone – Acts 21:20.

While the first two parables remind us that not all will accept the Word of God, this parable declares that the kingdom
will grow! BUT WHAT IS NEEDED IS PEOPLE…
1. People with vision
a. Who have the vision of Christ, as expressed in His parables.
b. Who are not indifferent to souls heading for hell.

2. People willing to put the kingdom of God first in their lives
a. The seed of the gospel will produce fruit, but only if it falls on good soil
b. If we allow…
1) The cares of this world
2) The deceitfulness of riches
3) The pleasures of life
…to “choke” us, we cannot bear good fruit
c. Therefore we need to put the kingdom of God first – Matthew 6:33

3. People willing to abide in Christ
a. For apart from Christ they can do nothing – John 15:4-5
b. For only they are able to bear “much fruit” – John 15:5
c. And only they will be able to glorify God and be His true disciples – John 15:8

CONCLUSION
1. The potential for the kingdom’s amazing growth rests in the Person who reigns as its King.
a. Those who will abide in Christ can be used by Jesus to produce the remarkable growth in the kingdom illustrated by
this parable.
b. As Paul wrote to the Philippians: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
2. Brethren, allow “The Parable of “The Mustard Seed” to serve as.
a. An encouragement – The kingdom of heaven is destined for great things, though its beginning was small
b. A reminder – That if we are going to be useful to the Master in this ever growing kingdom, we must “abide in Him”
so we can “bear much fruit”