Here is today’s parable, straight from the heart of Jesus.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed – Luke 13:18-19
Today’s parable from Jesus is one of the most misunderstood of all the parables. Take a close look at this short parable. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the real meaning behind this passage.
He said, “What is God’s Kingdom like? To what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and put in his own garden. It grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the sky live in its branches.”
Luke 13 17-19
Some preachers and true believers think this parable means that even with a tiny bit of faith Christians can achieve anything.
This notion suggests that with enough spiritual effort, we can have all we desire.
Such misunderstanding can be avoided by truly studying God’s Word in a prayerful way.
Quite often, this verse is intentionally misinterpreted by the charlatans of the prosperity gospel fallacy.
Devoted believers know, having a close personal relationship with God and accepting His Son, is all that we need to have true contentment. Our material prosperity and even good health are not barometers of faith.
But like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, the false teachers today have made a fortune at the expense of desperate and hurting people.
People who need encouragement, and hope are offered the answer to all their problems. But there is always a cost. They are required to give money to secure prosperity, health, significance, and even redemption.
But that isn’t what God’s Word teaches. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
What is worse, these false teachers have often led untold lives to reject the true and saving Gospel of Jesus. (1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1; Matthew 7:15)
This parable is not about adding to our material coffers. It isn’t even about filling our true basic needs. God supplies all of our needs. (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:19)
So, what does the Parable of the Mustard Seed really mean?
Jesus’ teaching about the little mustard seed that grew into a large tree, illustrates how God’s kingdom began small but has grown dramatically. It will continue to grow until the end of the Church Age.
“Indeed, who despises the day of small things…?”
Zechariah 4:10
No persecution, lies, or calamities can deter God’s kingdom. (Romans 8:37-39)
That’s right. This short parable is about God sending a helpless baby to a world in need of a Mighty Savior.
He grew as a man to understand all our infirmities, yet He was still the Lord.
He called twelve lackluster sometimes weak and fearful disciples, to help bring the Gospel to a dying world.
He invited a prostitute, a teenage virgin girl, an unlikely shepherd boy, a former persecutor of His Church and so many more unqualified souls to tell His story.
God used a tiny ember to set a blazing fire. His great Kingdom will never been snuffed out.
So, even if all you have to offer in service to our Savior is something simple, rest assured, it is God’s power that enhances your small gift and makes it grow. Your gift can be useful to lead others to know Christ.
Share the Gospel in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked
Statement of Faith
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 