"Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything."
- Mark 4:30-34 (NIV)
Why did Jesus share this?
1) To encourage the early disciples to look beyond themselves and see the impact they would make in times to come.
2) To emphasize that God's kingdom is not dependent upon the display of human strength and right.
3) To illustrate that the impact and benefit of the kingdom will extend far beyond the four walls of the church.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed is a powerful lesson, symbolizing how the Kingdom of God develops from the smallest, humblest of beginnings into something greater than we could ever have imagined at the onset. While it can sometimes be so easy to despise the seeming insignificance of what we do, this parable teaches not to underestimate God's provision and faithfulness, but to persevere in faith and hope (and to continue our works with diligence).
