Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32
This parable is closely linked
with the other “kingdom” parables and is intended to add another nuance to the
hearer’s understanding of what the kingdom of God is like. Just as it takes
many notes to make a full symphonic score, so it takes many earthly
illustrations to create a full picture of the Heavenly Kingdom.
Like the parable of the seed’s
spontaneous growth, this parable refers to the growth of the kingdom, but from
a slightly different angle. The God of the Scriptures is a God who specializes
in creating something out of nothing or out of what is most unlikely. From an
old man and his barren wife, God raised up a nation; from an enslaved nation,
God raised up a mighty kingdom; from a colonized remnant, God raised up a
Messiah. Through the prophet Zechariah, God instructs us not to despise the day
of small beginnings, because He will grant the growth in His time.[1]
The Greek words men....de indicate that the speaker is making some form of a contrast – like
“on the one hand…on the other hand”. While the mustard seed is not the smallest
seed known today, it was more than likely the smallest seed known to Jesus’
audience. According to Grant Osborne, “This was such a startling fact (a plant
growing so much in one season from such a small seed) that it became proverbial
for rapid growth; in fact, it was often said not to plant such in a garden
because it took up so much space.”[2]
This is exactly the point our Lord was trying to make…at the time, the kingdom
did not appear to be anything significant; a small band of unimportant people
following a single rabbi from Galilee; but in due course, this small beginning
would develop into a large kingdom that would cover the earth and become home
to many.
It is possible that the reference
to “the birds of the air” indicates the inclusion of the Gentile nations, as
there are Old Testament passages that use similar imagery.[3]
Given the fact that Matthew’s Gospel in particular appears to emphasize the
incorporation of Gentiles, it seems likely that this understanding was
intended.
Be that as it may, the main point
of the parable is that the kingdom, be it ever so small, was already present
and from this lowly and humble beginning it would grow into a kingdom that
would spread over all of God’s garden, overshadowing and overtaking the other
herbs until it became a bush so large that birds could inhabit it. From this we
learn that a disciple making movement may start small…others may mock the
disciple maker and they may question his or her method…but out of the most
insignificant beginning, God will honour faithfulness and grant growth that
will surprise us all.
[2] Exegetical
Commentary on the New Testament: Matthew, Grant R. Osborne, Zondervan, Grand
Rapids, MI, 2010, 525-526.
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