He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.
(Matthew 13:31)
Hello Everyone,
Welcome to part 3 of our 10-part series on “The Sower’s Seed.” In today’s post, we will dive into the significance of the mustard seed and explore its meaning within the Word of God. Despite being the smallest of all seeds, the mustard seed carries deep symbolic importance. Why did the Sower choose to plant this seed in His field? What purpose does it serve?
In the previous article, we examined a seed that God intended Jesus to sow across the world. As the Sower scattered His seed, it fell on four types of ground: along the path, on rocky places, among thorns, and on good soil. This seed was intended for all people, as it touched every type of ground.
Today, we’ll focus on the “mustard seed”—what does this seed represent, and what is the nature of this seed?
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 13:31-32: “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 seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
Symbolism of the Mustard Seed
What is the significance of the mustard seed in Jesus’ parable? In Matthew 13:31-32, Jesus describes it as the smallest of all seeds. But why did the Sower choose to plant this particular seed in His field? What is it composed of, and why do we have this seed among us? What does it represent, and what purpose does it serve? As we reflect on these questions, we’ll explore the deeper meaning behind this tiny yet powerful seed.
God has a particular seed He desires to plant within us. This seed will nurture and guide us toward the place He has destined for us. But where exactly is this place God wants to bring us?
God invites us on a journey to a place where anything is possible. To illustrate this, Jesus shared the powerful parable of the mustard seed—a story that holds the key to our restoration. How does this parable bring restoration to you? The mustard seed symbolizes the soul of God, which is His Word, planted within us to transform our lives. What is a mustard seed?
The mustard seed is a small, round, yellowish-white seed, typically only 1 or 2 millimeters in diameter. Despite its size, this tiny seed has the potential to grow into a large plant. In the same way, the mustard seed represents God’s way of nurturing your soul. It is a seed of growth and maturity. It brings people together in God’s name and forms a great tree with many branches.
The Message of the Seed
In the journey of His, Jesus revealed who He truly is by demonstrating His character through love. This is the essence of who He is, and this is what He desires to cultivate in us. While we may claim to love God, the deeper question is: Do we truly love Him? Do we love God, as much as He loves us? We often proclaim our undying love for Him. But do we love Him for who He is? Or do we love Him for what He gives us?
To love someone, we must first know them. God is mighty and present among us. Yet, our failure to truly understand and honour who He is, remains a struggle. So, who is Christ to you? Is He someone you love for the material blessings He brings? Or do you love the very person of Christ Himself? If it is the person of Christ that you seek, then it’s time we focus not on the gifts He offers. Instead, we should truly learn about and grow in relationship with Christ.
Teaching the Word of God is crucial because it opens our eyes to true understanding. But are we simply teaching the Word, or are we practicing spirituality? Neither of these reflects who we truly are until we truly understand God’s Word. Spirituality can be beneficial, but only when rooted in an understanding of God’s Word. How can we truly understand His Word if we don’t know Him?
Basing our knowledge of God solely on spirituality is misguided. Without knowing Him, we cannot truly recognize His presence among us. God must be revealed to us in order for us to love Him. How can we love someone we don’t truly know? It’s impossible. This is why we are called to worship God with all our hearts, minds, and souls. Understanding and knowing Him is the foundation of our love and devotion.
You cannot truly love God without first knowing Him. To love Him, you must first come to know Him. This is the purpose behind the parables. God has sown a seed within you, a seed that requires nurturing. This seed is from God, and it carries His nature within it. Now, God is calling us to love Him with all our heart. This seed was sown on different types of ground, but it was only the good soil that produced fruitful results.
This teaches us that, though we are all believers, not every heart yields the same outcome. Some seeds fell along the roadside, others on rocky ground, and still others among thorns. Not everyone truly accepts Jesus Christ as the Son of God, even though we may all walk with Him.
Ultimately, it is our hearts that define who we are, not our church. It is the condition of our hearts that determines our relationship with God, not the external labels we carry. It’s our heart!
The Seed of Salvation
In the parable of the Sower, the seed symbolizes the Word of God, sown by Jesus Christ to bring salvation to the world. In contrast, the seed in the parable of the Mustard Seed represents the plant of salvation. This seed, which is Jesus Christ, was planted among us to bring peace and salvation. While the seed in the Sower parable brings peace, the Mustard Seed leads us into the presence of God.
God’s presence resides within the Mustard Seed sown in His field. The Holy Spirit is within this seed, and through it, God reveals Himself to the Church. The Church of Christ is firmly rooted in this Mustard Seed. We must not neglect or underestimate the significance of this seed. It is through this seed that God establishes His Word within us.
Blessed is the LORD of all generations! He speaks His Word for every generation to hear and understand. He teaches His Word so that all may comprehend its meaning. He is Jehovah Jireh, the One who provides for all our needs. He leaves nothing out, except for those who selfishly demand what they do not need.
In the grand narrative of mankind’s salvation, two significant events unfolded. First, Jesus Christ, the Word of God, scattered a seed upon the earth to bring us salvation. He planted His Word in mankind to resurrect us from our spiritual graves. Second, God sowed the Mustard Seed in the world to alleviate our troubles and fortify our faith.
God sowed this seed in His field, which is the world, and within that seed, He placed His love for us. This small seed holds the entirety of God’s love for humanity. It has been planted in the soil of the earth. It is intended to grow from a simple garden plant. It will become a mighty tree with many branches, where the birds of the air can find rest.
So, within this seed that God has sown, there is His profound love for us. Yet, we often search everywhere for God’s love—except in the very seed He planted in His field. Why do we look elsewhere when His love is already within the seed He has given us?
A Symbol of Faith and Growth
It takes faith to seek the seed that God has sown. What do we know about God that compels us to follow Him in search of this seed? If we desire to truly know God, how do we come to know Him? The answer is simple: we come to know God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus came into this world for this very purpose—to reveal God to us through Himself.
God sowed His seed into the earth, allowing it to grow into a mighty tree with many branches. And just as God left His seed in the ground, He also left His Son with us on earth. We are meant to fellowship with Him. Jesus is the seed sown into the soil of the earth. He is meant to grow and bear fruit in our lives.
The mustard seed is mentioned multiple times throughout the Bible as a symbol of faith. In Romans 10:17, we are reminded that “faith comes from hearing the message.” The message is heard through the word about Christ.”
So, how does faith relate to the mustard seed? As we build our faith in Christ Jesus, we are building the kingdom of God. This seed of faith grows within us, just as the mustard seed grows into a mighty tree. But where is this place that God is bringing us?
The Restoration of Man
The faith of the church is often described as small—like a mustard seed. Yet, Jesus tells us in Matthew 17:20 that if our faith is even as small as a mustard seed, we can command a mountain to move. The mountain will obey. But how can we move mountains if we lack faith in God’s Word? Our faith, no matter how small, holds great power. When we place our trust in the Word of God, even the tiniest faith can move mountains.
God is teaching us something important. We don’t need faith greater than ourselves. We need faith that can reach everyone. It’s essential to understand God and His process. The seed of the Master is big enough to bring us restoration. It’s more than capable of rescuing us from our troubles.
The seed may be small, but once planted, it grows into a mighty tree. This is the story of the Bible. By listening to God’s word, understanding it, and applying it, we gradually grow into children of God. Though the word of God may appear small at first. However, its process transforms us, making us stronger and more rooted in faith.
So, how does this parable bring us restoration?
In the parable, Jesus explains that the small seed grows into a large tree. Birds come to rest in its branches. The mustard seed tree, with its many branches, offers a place of rest. Similarly, though the tree has many branches, it is through these branches that we find rest in the Lord. These branches represent you and me, grafted into the tree’s stem, finding our peace and rest in Him.
Within the mustard seed lies restoration. As we perch on the branches of the tree, humanity is restored to its original state. We return to resting in the Lord, just as we were meant to in the Garden of Eden. We are reclaiming our rightful place in Him. Therefore, the mustard seed symbolizes not only our faith but also our restoration. Ultimately, we will return to a place where all things are possible—our original state. While we begin with the mustard seed, we must strive to grow into a mighty tree.
The parable of the mustard seed speaks of the restoration of God’s people. This happens only if we believe in His Word, Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, God will restore us to our original place, where all things are possible. This is the place God desires to bring us—a place where possibilities abound.
The Mustard Seed and the Kingdom of God.
The Place
Where is the place that God wants to bring us?
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus told His disciples that if they have faith as small as a mustard seed, they could tell a mountain to move from here to there. The mountain would obey. Nothing would be impossible for them. Interestingly, the mustard seed is also compared to the Kingdom of God. So, what does the mustard seed represent? What is the nature of the seed that the man planted in the ground? Within the mustard seed lies Greatness. Where is this place that God wants to bring us?
God desires to bring us to a place where nothing is impossible. However, our faith in His Word often holds us back. This place is the Kingdom of God; a place where our faith determines who we are. It is a kingdom of people who live by faith. In Mark 9:23, Jesus told the father of a boy. The boy was possessed by a spirit that had taken away his speech. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
The Kingdom of God is compared to a tiny mustard seed, sown among all the seeds in the world. Though it is the smallest of all, it grows into the largest of them all. This illustrates the faith that has spread across the earth, influencing the beliefs of many. Despite its small beginning, this faith will overcome the world’s pride. It will create spaces where people can find rest for their souls. In the branches of the mustard seed plant are the souls of people finding rest from their toil. In these branches, one can find peace and refuge.
Our faith is compared to a mustard seed. Similarly, the growth of that seed is likened to the Kingdom of God. The mustard seed represents the Word of God. When you have God’s Word within you, it is like the seed that houses the mighty tree. Your faith in His Word enables you to do the impossible. You can tell a mountain to move from here to there. It will obey due to the power of your faith in His Word.
Without faith in His Word, you cannot change the circumstances in your life. You must have unwavering faith in His Word, without doubt. (References: Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 10:23; Matthew 21:21)
The Word of God, though small in appearance compared to other beliefs in the world, will grow to become a mighty tree. It will have many branches. This describes the Kingdom of God. As it stands today, the Word may seem small, but it will go through phases. It will grow and develop branches as it spreads and flourishes.
To the world, it may appear as small as a mustard seed. In God’s eyes, it is a mighty tree. It will outgrow all other plants. The greatness of the tree is already contained within the tiny mustard seed.
Nature and Content of the Seed
In both parables, Jesus speaks of a living God and His nature. He speaks of a nurturing seed that requires God’s love to grow. While the parables focus on the nature of the seed, they do not delve into the content of the seed itself. This makes the next episodes more exciting. God spoke to His people about His kingdom, likening its nature to a mustard seed.
- The Nature of the Seed
- The Content of the Seed
The Word of God unfolds in two phases. His Kingdom is like the mustard seed, and His love is likened to the condition of our hearts. Are our hearts ready to receive His seed?
Understanding the nature and content of the mustard seed allows us to comprehend who Jesus Christ truly is. In Him, we find both resurrection and life. Knowing Jesus Christ, brings us faith and resurrects us from our struggles. Knowing the seed sown in the field brings us peace, for this Seed is Jesus Christ, the resurrection.
Understanding God leads us to restoration, and therefore, we should study His Son in the name of the Father. Jesus came into the world bearing His Father’s name, and whoever Jesus is, so too is God. Exploring the nature of the mustard seed reveals who Jesus is and what God represents. Walking in the light of God uncovers many truths about Him that we may not yet know. Let us, therefore, commit to studying who God is and what He represents in our lives. To understand God’s nature, we must study the life and example of Jesus.
Understanding the nature and content of the mustard seed helps us understand the concept of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is likened to our faith. What is our faith in the Word of God like? Our faith reflects the nature of the seed. It is through our faith that we embody the nature of the seed. By cultivating our faith as a church, we align ourselves with the nature of God’s Kingdom.
In John 18:36, Jesus made a profound statement to Pontius Pilate about the nature of His Kingdom. He said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
His Kingdom is made up of citizens with unwavering faith in Him. It does not welcome doubters or those filled with unbelief. The mustard seed symbolizes the citizens of His Kingdom—those who possess strong, unshakable faith.
Romans 5:1-2: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 1:17: For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
So, what is the nature of the seed that was sown by the farmer?
Conclusion: The Potential of the Mustard Seed
The parable of the mustard seed invites us to reflect on the nature of our faith and the Kingdom of God. Though the mustard seed may seem small, it holds within it the potential for great growth and transformation. As we nurture our faith, we align ourselves with God’s Kingdom, a place where all things are possible. By embracing unwavering belief in His Word, we can become active citizens in His Kingdom. We can live in the fullness of His promises.
One day, while ministering at a church, I walked onto the premises and began praying for God’s blessings on His children. I specifically asked God to bless His sons, but in that moment, the Holy Spirit gently corrected me. He said, “They are not My sons yet.”
This was a profound revelation that took me by surprise. I had always assumed we, as believers, were already God’s sons. But the Spirit made it clear: we are still outside of His covenant. This truth hit me like a wake-up call.
The sons of God are those who are within His covenant. They live in alignment with His promises and His will. That’s why, in our current state, we cannot truly call ourselves sons of God. We are not yet fully part of His covenant, and as such, we fall short of being His sons.
It is sobering to realize that, despite our efforts, our perseverance may not yet reflect the fullness of His will. While we are children of God, the full title of “sons of God” feels distant. There is still work to be done within us, and the journey toward that status is ongoing.
This revelation serves as a reminder: the process of becoming sons of God is much deeper than we often realize. It challenges us to examine where we truly stand in relation to His covenant and His will.
The Sons of God: Reflecting Christ and Sharing in His Kingdom:
The sons of God are not just those who claim the title, but those who truly reflect the attributes of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. To be a son of God means to embody His nature, His love, His righteousness, and His holiness. It’s a deep transformation that aligns us with Christ, as we are called to live like Him and walk in His footsteps.
Moreover, the sons of God are co-heirs with Christ, sharing in the inheritance of God’s Kingdom. They are not just believers; they are citizens of the Kingdom of God, actively occupying and advancing the space of the Kingdom here on earth. To be a son of God is to be a representative of that Kingdom, living out its values, its mission, and its purpose in our daily lives.
As sons, we have access to all that belongs to the Father, just as Christ, the Son, does. But this status comes with a responsibility: to align our lives with the Kingdom’s principles and to reflect the character of Christ to the world around us. It’s about more than just a title—it’s about becoming true representatives of God’s rule and reign.
The truth is clear: until we fully enter into God’s Kingdom, we cannot rightfully be called sons of God. To be considered a son of God, one must not only believe in Him but also be fully aligned with His Kingdom. The sons of God are those who live under His rule, embody His ways, and are part of His covenant. It is within His Kingdom that we find our true identity as His children, living in relationship with Him and reflecting His nature.
Entering God’s Kingdom is more than just a belief—it’s a transformation of heart, mind, and purpose. It is only when we accept and walk in His Kingdom, embracing His will and living according to His principles, that we can be truly called His sons. Until then, we remain outside His Kingdom, and the fullness of our identity as His children is incomplete.
The call to become sons of God is an invitation to come into His Kingdom, where we are made new, where we are shaped by His authority, and where we share in the inheritance and purpose He has for us. It’s in His Kingdom that we become true sons, reflecting His glory and advancing His will on earth.
Romans 8:17: “And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
Romans 8:19: “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.”
Today, I present you with this seed. Take the Word I have shared with you today, apply them accordingly, and share it with others. Let us cultivate our faith. Let’s open our hearts to God’s Word. Allow it to grow within us like the mustard seed. Reflect on the nature of your faith and how it shapes your daily life. Commit to nurturing that faith, knowing that with God, nothing is impossible.
Call to Action
Take a moment today to meditate on the Word of God. Identify one specific area in your life where you can invite His Kingdom to grow and transform.
Share your experiences and insights with our community in the comments below. Together, we can encourage and support each other in this spiritual journey. Let us sow the seeds of faith, nurture them with devotion, and witness the transformative power of God’s Kingdom in our lives.
Don’t forget to share this message with your friends and family, spreading the hope and love of Christ.
Join us next week as we delve into the next post, “The Fruit that House the Seed.” Stay connected, stay inspired, and let’s continue to grow in faith together.
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Let’s journey together in understanding and living our faith in Christ Jesus! 🙏
Written by Eunice Forson
Be sure to check out post #4 in our series next Monday!
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If you missed any of the previous posts in this series, here’s a quick recap:
Over the past couple of weeks in our “The Sower’s Seed” blog series, we’ve discussed…
Introduction to the Series – The Sower’s Seed
Blog Post #1 – The Sower’s Seed: Exploring the Purpose of Parables
Blog Post #2 – Understanding the Scattered Seed in the Parable of the Sower
The seed 