Mustard - The Smallest of Seeds

"He told them another parable:  'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.  Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.' "

Matthew 13:31 & 32

I have never seen a mustard tree up close but I have read that they can reach 20 feet tall and are as wide as they are tall.  It is a very beneficial tree (besides the mustard that we all know and love) - it is used as a toothbrush in some rural areas and has antibacterial properties.  The seeds, fruit and roots are all edible and are very nutritious. 

What does all of this have to do with our spiritual life and growth?  It implies that so much good can come from something so small and little..........If we share the gospel - maybe just a 5 minute conversation - planting that seed of Jesus' love can grow into a new believer and therefore eternal life for that person.

I wasn't sure what "the birds of the air" represented in this verse so I looked that up in a Bible commentary and it stated that this reference symbolizes "the Gentile Nations."  Which means that this seed and this tree is for everyone!  Jesus' love and salvation is for all - for everyone!

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  Galatians 3:28


It may seem small and insignificant but Jesus' love (in all forms) will grow and grow and grow.  Let's not hesitate to plant these "mustard seeds" daily.