The mustard seed was generally considered the smallest of all seeds in the ancient world. It was the smallest seed commonly used by the Jews, and it was frequently used as a metaphor in their speech to describe something infinitesimally small. Despite its small size, this tiny seed can grow into a bush that can reach as much as twenty feet tall, big enough to support bird nests.
Found in three of the four gospel records (Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; and Luke 13:18- 19), Jesus’ parable about the mustard seed illustrates how something big and valuable can come from something that seems tiny and insignificant. A “minor” lesson we could take from this parable relates to the impact of “little” things (our world is impressed by “bigness” – big houses, big businesses, big cities, etc. – but frequently overlooks the potential in “small” things). Another “minor” lesson worth noting is that we should “pay attention to little things” (in Mark 9:41, Jesus said a cup of cold water given in His name was important). “Little things” – visiting a sick person, welcoming a visitor – are important because they make a big impression.
The main point in this parable is that great things can come from small beginnings. All “big” things start small; great paintings, symphonies, books, buildings, cities all begin with a small motion. In the same way, from ONE MAN with disciples counted by dozens rather than thousands, sprang the eternal kingdom of God; it began small, but consider the world-shaking effect it has had! In Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:20-21 Jesus compared the heavenly kingdom to “leaven” (think of leaven as being like a sourdough starter, or yeast). Bread-making was a familiar activity in ancient times, and the methods were familiar to virtually everyone. In Jesus’ teachings, leaven normally represents evil: This parable, however, is an exception to that rule. Leaven was known for its extremely strong influence, and that was the point Jesus wanted to make.
Leaven works only from within; it doesn’t affect a batch of dough until it is mixed in with it. The gospel also works “from the inside out.” External changes don’t usually affect a person substantially, but an inner change will, and this is why a person is not truly “converted” until their heart is changed.
Just as leaven produces an immense change in the nature of dough, the gospel can produce such great changes in a person’s heart that they are willing to change their behavior, priorities, and even their ultimate goal in life! The Thessalonian Jews described the effect of Paul and his companions as “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). Christ changes a person by turning their attention to new ambitions and new activities, by making that person into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In addition, the effect of leaven is “contagious.” The effects of yeast spread aggressively through the entire batch of dough. In much the same way, the church spreads the gospel by “contagion;” some of the very first disciples were brought to Jesus by others (e.g., Andrew and Peter). The church is in the soul-winning business!
-Dave Rogers
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