Really? A Mustard Seed?

As Jesus taught the crowds by the lake, He began to answer a question on everyone’s lips: “This Kingdom you talk about? What is it like?”

They probably anticipated something like, “The Kingdom is like a mighty Cedar.” The Cedar of Lebanon was the greatest of all trees; imposing and strong. But instead… anticipating their misconceptions of the kind of redemption and kingdom God promises, Jesus responds: “It’s like a mustard seed… when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

“Sorry… what?!” They must have thought or even asked. “Sorry, but do you know what a mustard seed is?”

Of all the things to choose, Jesus chooses the mustard seed?! Not only the smallest but a seed that does not grow into a tree at all. The mustard seed becomes more like a bush, like canola. Maybe a tall weed, but not tree-like at all. Possibly the worst comparison to the glorious kingdom. Or was it?

Jesus reveals that even though people think they understand, just as they think, ‘I get it, the small seed becomes a huge Kingdom!’ They soon discover they have no idea.

Still today, many would say: “But the mustard seed doesn’t become a tree? How can it have branches? … to which Jesus replies, “Nor does the kingdom of God become what you expect, believe or want it to be!” God’s Kingdom is otherworldly, surprising, like nothing we have ever known. We think we know who heaven is for and who it’s not for! But Jesus reveals a truth far stranger! 

The parable’s point is not that “big things have small beginnings.” Every seed does that! It’s that it doesn’t become what you so confidently think! It emerges as something unexpected and far more marvellous than human minds could imagine.