The grain of mustard seed; or, the growth of the kingdom of God relatively to its beginnings. I. THE BEGINNINGS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD , AS COMPARED WITH THOSE OF OTHER INFLUENCES AFFECTING THE WORLD 'S LIFE , ARE VERY SMALL AND INSIGNIFICANT . A parable and a prophecy. Two plants, either of which might have been referred to by Christ—Sinapis Orientalis , a garden herb, bushy in habit, with black or white seeds, from four to six in a pod; or... read more
Great issues from small beginnings. The lesson which our Lord intended to teach by the parable of the mustard seed is stated in the announcement of our subject. If he had wished to set forth the splendor of his kingdom, he would have chosen as an illustration the stately cedar or the fruitful vine. The mustard in its greatest growth is by no means majestic; but it is large in proportion to its seed, and although it was not literally "the smallest of seeds," it was the smallest of those... read more
The parable of the mustard seed. This parable stands related to the former. That pointed to the history of the growth of the seed; this points to the inherent vitality of the seed. That laid the emphasis on the field; this lays it on the seed. The simile is so exact that we are in danger of transferring a needful canon in the interpretation of parables, and to treat it as a realism. The parable illustrates the history of the kingdom of heaven in its outward manifestation , especially... read more
The power of ideas. I. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE KINGDOM OF IDEAS . All forms of the true, holy, and good are included in this kingdom. Life would be intolerable, amidst the greatest physical comfort, without ideas. Our spirit is born to love and live among them. Novelty of ideas is the condition of change for the better in every life-department. II. IDEAS ARE SELF - MULTIPLYING . Start a beautiful pattern in trade; it gives birth to a whole creation of... read more
Parallel passage: Matthew 13:31 , Matthew 13:32 .— The mustard seed. I. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND THE LEAVEN . The latter parable refers rather to the growth of grace in the heart, the former to the extension of the Church in the world; the latter to the assimilating power of Divine grace in the human heart, the former to progressive development and final establishment of the Church on earth. II. THE SMALLNESS OF THE ... read more
Whereunto shall we liken ... - This shows the great solicitude which Jesus had to adapt his instructions to the capacity of his disciples. He sought out the most plain and striking illustrations - an example which should be followed by all the ministers of the gospel. At the same time that the instructions of the pulpit should be dignified as our Saviour’s always were they should be adapted to the capacity of the audience and easily understood. To do this the following things are necessary in a... read more
See the notes at Matthew 13:31-32. read more
Mark 4:30-34. Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God, &c. See notes on Matthew 13:31-32. He spake the word unto them as they were able to hear it Adapting it to the capacity of his hearers, and speaking as plainly as he could without offending them. A rule never to be forgotten by those who instruct others. But without a parable, &c. See note on Matthew 13:34-35. read more
55. Wheat and weeds; mustard seed; yeast (Matthew 13:24-43; Mark 4:30-34; Luke 13:18-21)In another parable, two types of seed produce two types of plants in the same field. The plants, wheat and weeds, are not separated while they are growing, but are left till harvest time. Then the wheat is put into the farmer’s barn but the weeds are destroyed (Matthew 13:24-30).As with the parable of the sower, Jesus gave his disciples an interpretation (Matthew 13:34-36; cf. v. 10,16-18). In the present... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:30-32
The mustard seed. The kingdom of God has its intension and its extension, its rule over the individual soul, and its sway over human society, its invisible work within and its manifest and mighty achievement without; it transforms character and it renews the world. Perhaps it is fair to regard the preceding parable of "the seed growing secretly" as a parable of the history of the Word in the heart ; and this of the mustard seed as a parable of the fortunes and destiny of the Word in... read more