Matthew 13:32
Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
smallest of all seeds
The phrase "smallest of all seeds" refers to the mustard seed, which was commonly known in the ancient Near East for its tiny size. In the Greek, the word for "smallest" is "mikroteros," emphasizing its minuscule nature. This hyperbolic expression is not meant to be a botanical statement but rather a metaphorical one, illustrating the humble beginnings of the Kingdom of Heaven. Historically, the mustard seed was a symbol of small beginnings leading to great outcomes, a concept that resonates with the transformative power of faith and the Gospel.

when it grows
The phrase "when it grows" signifies the process of development and maturation. The Greek word "auxanō" is used here, which means to increase or become greater. This growth is not instantaneous but gradual, reflecting the nature of spiritual growth and the expansion of God's Kingdom. The historical context of agriculture in Jesus' time would have made this imagery relatable to His audience, who understood the patience and care required for cultivation.

largest of garden plants
The "largest of garden plants" highlights the surprising and significant transformation from the smallest seed to a substantial plant. The Greek word "lachanon" refers to a garden herb or plant, and the emphasis here is on the contrast between the initial and final states. This transformation symbolizes the expansive and inclusive nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, which starts small but grows to encompass all who believe.

becomes a tree
The phrase "becomes a tree" is metaphorical, as mustard plants do not literally become trees. The Greek word "dendron" is used, which means tree. This imagery conveys the idea of strength, stability, and shelter. In the scriptural context, trees often symbolize life, growth, and prosperity. The transformation into a tree signifies the Kingdom's ability to provide refuge and support, much like a tree offers shade and protection.

birds of the air
The "birds of the air" represent the diverse peoples and nations that find refuge in the Kingdom of Heaven. The Greek word "peteina" refers to birds, and in biblical symbolism, birds often denote various groups or individuals. This imagery suggests the inclusivity and universality of the Gospel message, inviting all to partake in the blessings of God's Kingdom.

come and nest in its branches
The phrase "come and nest in its branches" illustrates the welcoming and nurturing nature of the Kingdom. The Greek word "kataskēnoō" means to settle or dwell, indicating a sense of permanence and security. In the historical and scriptural context, branches symbolize support and community. This imagery reassures believers of the safety and belonging found within the Kingdom, echoing the promise of rest and peace for those who seek refuge in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of the parable, teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven.

2. Disciples
The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, who are learning about the nature of God's Kingdom.

3. Mustard Seed
A small seed used metaphorically to describe the Kingdom of Heaven.

4. Garden Plants
Represents the growth and expansion of the Kingdom.

5. Birds of the Air
Symbolic of those who find refuge and sustenance in the Kingdom.
Teaching Points
Small Beginnings, Great Impact
The Kingdom of Heaven may start small, like a mustard seed, but it has the potential to grow beyond expectations. This encourages believers to not despise small beginnings in their faith journey or ministry efforts.

Faith and Growth
Just as the mustard seed grows into a large plant, our faith, when nurtured, can grow and have a significant impact. Believers are encouraged to cultivate their faith through prayer, study, and obedience.

Inclusivity and Refuge
The birds nesting in the branches symbolize the inclusivity of God's Kingdom, offering refuge and rest to all who come. This challenges believers to create welcoming communities that reflect God's love and acceptance.

God's Sovereignty in Growth
The growth of the mustard seed into a large plant is a reminder of God's sovereignty and power in the expansion of His Kingdom. Believers are called to trust in God's timing and methods.

Kingdom Vision
Understanding the parable helps believers maintain a Kingdom vision, focusing on eternal values and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the parable of the mustard seed challenge your understanding of what is significant in God's Kingdom?

2. In what ways can you nurture your faith to ensure it grows like the mustard seed?

3. How can your church or community reflect the inclusivity and refuge symbolized by the birds nesting in the branches?

4. What small beginnings in your life or ministry can you trust God to grow into something significant?

5. How does this parable encourage you to maintain a Kingdom vision in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to align with this vision?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 17:20
Jesus uses the mustard seed to illustrate faith, emphasizing that even small faith can accomplish great things.

Ezekiel 17:23
A prophecy about a great tree where birds find shelter, symbolizing God's Kingdom providing refuge.

Daniel 4:12
Describes a tree providing shelter and sustenance, similar to the Kingdom's growth and provision.

Mark 4:30-32
Parallel account of the mustard seed parable, reinforcing the message of growth from small beginnings.

Luke 13:18-19
Another parallel account, emphasizing the Kingdom's expansive nature.
A Rash Zeal for Amendment InjuriousW. M. Taylor. D. D.Matthew 13:24-41
Believers are a Choice People -- Choice GrainMatthew 13:24-41
Blending of Wicked with GodlyA. Fuller.Matthew 13:24-41
Difficulty of Right Judgment in SocietyMarcus Dods.Matthew 13:24-41
Fifth Sunday After EpiphanyJ. A. Seiss, D.D.Matthew 13:24-41
I Shall Show You How Fitly the End of the World May be Compared to HarvestB. Keach.Matthew 13:24-41
I Shall Show You How the TaresMatthew 13:24-41
I Will Show You How the WheatMatthew 13:24-41
Likeness of Wheat and TaresHugh Macmillan.Matthew 13:24-41
Mixture of Tare and WheatBishop Thomas.Matthew 13:24-41
Points in the ParableAnon.Matthew 13:24-41
Separate Bundles of TaresMatthew Henry.Matthew 13:24-41
Separating Tares from WheatVan Lennep.Matthew 13:24-41
Sowing Tares in MaliceMatthew 13:24-41
Tares and WheatThe PulpitMatthew 13:24-41
The Conditions and Limitations of Moral GrowthE. D. Green.Matthew 13:24-41
The End of the WorldMarcus, Dods.Matthew 13:24-41
The Mixed State SocietyDr. M. DodsMatthew 13:24-41
The Parable of the TaresJ. C. JonesMatthew 13:24-41
The Parable of the Wheat and the TaresMatthew 13:24-41
The TaresW. M. Taylor. D. D.Matthew 13:24-41
The Tares and the WheatC. Bradley, M. A.Matthew 13:24-41
The Tares and the WheatB. W. Noel.Matthew 13:24-41
The Tares and WheatExpository OutlinesMatthew 13:24-41
The Two SowersH. Bonar, D. D.Matthew 13:24-41
The Wheat and the TaresE. Gray, M. A.Matthew 13:24-41
What Should a Believer Do to Ripen for the HarvestMatthew 13:24-41
While Men Slept the Devil Sowed His Evil SeedMatthew 13:24-41
Why are the Saints Compared to WheatMatthew 13:24-41
Why God Delays to Punish the Sins of Men in This WorldT. Sherlock, D. D.Matthew 13:24-41
The Great Administrator's ForesightP.C. Barker Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
A Great Growth from a Small SeedW. Arnot.Matthew 13:31-32
The Grain of Mustard SeedJ. Campbell.Matthew 13:31-32
The Herb that is a TreeP.C. Barker Matthew 13:31, 32
The Mustard SeedW. Arnot.Matthew 13:31-32
The Mustard SeedM. Dods, D. D.Matthew 13:31-32
The Mustard Seed and the LeavenW.F. Adeney Matthew 13:31-33
Parable and ProphecyJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 13:31-35
People
Esaias, Isaiah, James, Jesus, Joseph, Joses, Judas, Mary, Simon
Places
Nazareth, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Air, Becomes, Becometh, Birds, Branches, Build, Forms, Full, Full-grown, Garden, Greater, Greatest, Grown, Grows, Heaven, Herb, Herbs, Indeed, Larger, Largest, Least, Less, Lodge, Nest, Nests, Perch, Plants, Rest, Resting-places, Roost, Seeds, Shrubs, Smaller, Smallest, Thereof, Tree, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 13:32

     4240   garden, natural

Matthew 13:1-32

     4506   seed

Matthew 13:1-52

     2345   Christ, kingdom of

Matthew 13:3-43

     4007   creation, and God

Matthew 13:18-33

     5438   parables

Matthew 13:24-39

     4121   Satan, enemy of God

Matthew 13:31-32

     4402   plants
     8465   progress

Matthew 13:31-33

     2376   kingdom of God, coming
     8443   growth
     9155   millennium

Matthew 13:31-52

     2357   Christ, parables

Library
Toleration
(Preached at Christ Church, Marylebone, 1867, for the Bishop of London's Fund.) MATTHEW xiii. 24-30. The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the household came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

'To Him that Hath Shall be Given'
'Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.'-- MATT. xiii. 12. There are several instances in the Gospels of our Lord's repetition of sayings which seem to have been, if we may use the expression, favourites with Him; as, for instance, 'There are first which shall be last, and there are last which shall be first'; or, again, 'The servant is not greater than his master, nor the disciple than his lord.'
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Leaven
'The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and bid to three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.'--MATT. xiii. 33. How lovingly and meditatively Jesus looked upon homely life, knowing nothing of the differences, the vulgar differences, between the small and great! A poor woman, with her morsel of barm, kneading it up among three measures of meal, in some coarse earthenware pan, stands to Him as representing the whole process of His work in the world. Matthew brings
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Ears and no Ears
'Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.--MATT. xiii. 8. This saying was frequently on our Lord's lips, and that in very various connections. He sometimes, as in the instance before us, appended it to teaching which, from its parabolic form, required attention to disentangle the spiritual truth implied. He sometimes used it to commend some strange, new revolutionary teaching to men's investigation--as, for instance, after that great declaration of the nullity of ceremonial worship, how that nothing
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Seeing and Blind
'They seeing, see not.'--MATT. xiii, 13. This is true about all the senses of the word 'seeing'; there is not one man in ten thousand who sees the things before his eyes. Is not this the distinction, for instance, of the poet or painter, and man of science--just that they do see? How true is this about the eye of the mind, what a small number really understand what they know! But these illustrations are of less moment than the saddest example--religious indifference. I wish to speak about this now,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Four Sowings and one Ripening
'The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2. And great multitudes were gathered together unto Him, so that He went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 8. And He spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4. And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 6. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Mingled in Growth, Separated in Maturity
'Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28. He said unto them, An enemy hath done this.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Treasure and Pearl
The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls: 46. Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.'--MATT. xiii. 44-46. In this couple of parables, which are twins, and must be taken together, our Lord utilises two very familiar facts
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 19, Etc. , Where the Lord Jesus Explaineth the Parables of the Sower.
1. Both yesterday and to-day ye have heard the parables of the sower, in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Do ye who were present yesterday, recollect to-day. Yesterday we read of that sower, who when he scattered seed, "some fell by the way side," [2507] which the birds picked up; "some in stony places," which dried up from the heat; "some among thorns, which were choked," and could not bring forth fruit; and "other some into good ground, and it brought forth fruit, a hundred, sixty, thirty fold."
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 52, "Therefore Every Scribe who Hath Been Made a Disciple to the Kingdom of Heaven," Etc.
1. The lesson of the Gospel reminds me to seek out, and to explain to you, Beloved, as the Lord shall give me power, who is "that Scribe instructed in the kingdom of God, who is "like unto an householder bringing out of his treasure things new and old." [2524] For here the lesson ended. "What are the new and old things of an instructed Scribe?" Now it is well known who they were, whom the ancients, after the custom of our Scriptures, called Scribes, those, namely, who professed the knowledge of the
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Sown among Thorns
WHEN that which comes of his sowing is unfruitful, the sower's work is wasted: he has spent his strength for nothing. Without fruit the sower's work would even seem to be insane, for he takes good wheat, throws it away, and loses it in the ground. Preaching is the most idle of occupations if the Word is not adapted to enter the heart, and produce good results. O my hearers, if you are not converted, I waste time and energy in standing here! People might well think it madness that one whole day in
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

The Parable of the Tares, by Bishop Latimer, Preached on the 7Th of February, 1553.
MATTHEW XIII.--The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way, &c. This is a parable or similitude wherein our Saviour compared the kingdom of God, that is, the preaching of his word, wherein consisteth the salvation of mankind, unto a husbandman who sowed good seed in his field. But before we come unto the matter, you shall first learn to understand what this word parable, which
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

A Man Reaps More than He Sows.
A MAN REAPS MORE THAN HE SOWS. "But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold."--Matt. xiii: 8. If I sow a bushel, I expect to reap ten or twenty bushels. I can sow in one day what will take ten men to reap. The Spaniards have this proverb: "Sow a thought and reap an act. Sow an act, and reap a habit. Sow a habit, and reap a character. Sow a character and reap a destiny." And it takes a longer time to reap than to sow. I have heard
Dwight L. Moody—Sowing and Reaping

The Christian Society
Scripture references: Matthew 13:31-33; 5:21-24; Mark 8:1-9; John 2:1-11; Luke 5:29; 14:13; 1 Peter 2:17; Galatians 6:9; Matthew 11:28-30; 12:50; Luke 15:5,6,8-10; John 17:11-15; Luke 5:29,30; Mark 1:28-33; Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:13-15. THE SOCIAL CIRCLE The Word Society is used to designate the set of people with whom we are on more intimate terms of acquaintanceship--whom we call friends--and those whom we do not know so well, and whom we call acquaintances. The term society may also have other
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision A. Introduction. ^A Matt. XIII. 1-3; ^B Mark IV. 1, 2; ^C Luke VIII. 4. ^a 1 On that day went Jesus out of the house [It is possible that Matthew here refers to the house mentioned at Mark iii. 19. If so, the events in Sections XLVIII.-LVI. all occurred on the same day. There are several indications in the gospel narratives that this is so], and sat by the sea side. ^b 1 And again he began again to teach by the sea side. [By the Sea of Galilee.] And there
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus visits Nazareth and is Rejected.
^A Matt. XIII. 54-58; ^B Mark VI. 1-6; ^C Luke IV. 16-31. ^b 1 And he went out from thence [from Capernaum] ; and he cometh { ^a And coming} ^b into his own country; and his disciples follow him. ^c 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up [As to this city, see pages 14 and 55. As to the early years of Jesus at Nazareth, see page 60]: ^b 2 And when the sabbath was come ^c he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. [This does not mean
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

New Teaching in Parables' - the Parables to the People by the Lake of Galilee, and those to the Disciples in Capernaum
We are once more with Jesus and His disciples by the Lake of Galilee. We love to think that it was in the early morning, when the light laid its golden shadows on the still waters, and the fresh air, untainted by man, was fragrant of earth's morning sacrifice, when no voice of human discord marred the restfulness of holy silence, nor broke the Psalm of Nature's praise. It was a spring morning too, and of such spring-time as only the East, and chiefly the Galilean Lake, knows - nor of mingled sunshine
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
It almost seems, as if the departure of Jesus from Capernaum marked a crisis in the history of that town. From henceforth it ceases to be the center of His activity, and is only occasionally, and in passing, visited. Indeed, the concentration and growing power of Pharisaic opposition, and the proximity of Herod's residence at Tiberias [3013] would have rendered a permanent stay there impossible at this stage in our Lord's history. Henceforth, His Life is, indeed, not purely missionary, but He has
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Infancy and Youth of Jesus --His First Impressions.
Jesus was born at Nazareth,[1] a small town of Galilee, which before his time had no celebrity.[2] All his life he was designated by the name of "the Nazarene,"[3] and it is only by a rather embarrassed and round-about way,[4] that, in the legends respecting him, he is made to be born at Bethlehem. We shall see later[5] the motive for this supposition, and how it was the necessary consequence of the Messianic character attributed to Jesus.[6] The precise date of his birth is unknown. It took place
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Leaven.
"Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."--MATT. xiii. 33. In the mustard-seed we saw the kingdom growing great by its inherent vitality; in the leaven we see it growing great by a contagious influence. There, the increase was attained by development from within; here, by acquisitions from without. It is not that there are two distinct ways in which the Gospel may gain complete
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Hidden Treasure.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field."--MATT. xiii. 44. These two parables, the hidden treasure and the costly pearl, are even more closely allied to each other than the two which precede them. Generically they teach the same truth; but they teach it with distinct specific differences. It will be most convenient to notice in connection with the first,
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son.
LUKE xv. The three parables of this chapter, like the seven in Matt. xiii., constitute a connected series. As soon as we begin to look into their contents and relations, it becomes obvious that they have been arranged according to a logical scheme, and that the group so framed is not fragmentary but complete. We cannot indeed fully comprehend the reciprocal relations of all until we shall have examined in detail the actual contents of each; and yet, on the other hand, a preliminary survey of the
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Group in Matt. xiii.
"The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables."--MATT. xiii. 1-3. In Matthew's narrative, the first specimen of that peculiar pictorial method which characterized the teaching of our Lord, is not an isolated parable occurring in the midst of a miscellaneous discourse, but a group of seven presented
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Sower.
"The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

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