The Parable of the Mustard Seed

The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Text: Matthew 13:31–32

Introduction
Jesus, the master teacher, often used parables to teach profound truths about the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 13 He gave seven parables, each describing some aspect of the kingdom. The parable of the mustard seed, though only two verses long, is packed with meaning. Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a tiny mustard seed, which begins small but grows into a great plant large enough for birds to rest in its branches. His point was clear—the kingdom began with insignificant beginnings, but it would grow into something great.

Small Beginnings of the Kingdom
The mustard seed was an expression in the first century to describe something very small. Jesus used this everyday example to teach about the kingdom. From man’s viewpoint, the beginnings of the kingdom were insignificant. Consider the King Himself. Isaiah prophesied that He would grow up as a tender plant out of dry ground (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus came into the world as a baby, born in Bethlehem in humble circumstances, raised in Nazareth—a despised town with no reputation for greatness (Matthew 2:23; John 1:46). He had no formal religious training, and yet He taught with authority that amazed the Jews (John 7:14–15). He had no wealth or political influence (Luke 9:57–58). His apostles were fishermen and common men. From man’s perspective, the kingdom was mustard seed small.

The Growth of the Kingdom
Though the beginnings were small, the kingdom grew just as the mustard seed becomes a great bush. Isaiah prophesied that in the latter days the Lord’s house would be established and all nations would flow into it (Isaiah 2:2–3). Daniel prophesied that during the days of the Roman Empire, God would establish a kingdom that would never be destroyed (Daniel 2:35, 44). These prophecies were fulfilled when the kingdom came on Pentecost. In one day, three thousand were added (Acts 2:41). Soon the number grew to five thousand (Acts 4:4). The disciples multiplied greatly (Acts 6:1). What began with a handful of mustard seed people spread across the world, just as Jesus said it would.

The Growth of the Kingdom Today
The parable reminds us of our responsibility. God gives the increase, but we are called to plant and water (1 Corinthians 3:6). Growth requires action. We cannot sit idle. Just as Larry Walters once said when asked why he tied balloons to a lawn chair—“Because you can’t just sit there”—so it is with us in the kingdom. We must not just sit there. We must teach our children and grandchildren, share tracts, be examples, invite others, pray for the lost, and look for creative ways to reach people. Every effort counts. Even small actions can help the kingdom grow.

Call to Action
The mustard seed teaches us not to despise small beginnings. God takes what seems insignificant and causes it to grow into something great. The question for us is: are we doing our part to help the kingdom grow? Each of us has opportunities—within our families, workplaces, and communities. Time is short. Use it wisely. Plant the seed, water it, and trust God to give the increase.

Key Takeaways

• The kingdom began with small, seemingly insignificant beginnings (Isaiah 53:2; Matthew 2:23).

• Jesus Himself came from humble circumstances with no wealth or formal training (John 7:14–15; Luke 9:57–58).

• The kingdom’s growth was prophesied long before Christ (Isaiah 2:2–3; Daniel 2:44).

• At Pentecost the kingdom exploded in growth (Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4; Acts 6:1).

• God gives the increase, but we must plant and water (1 Corinthians 3:6).

• Even small efforts to teach and share the gospel can have great results.

Scripture Reference List
Matthew 13:31–32 – The parable of the mustard seed
Isaiah 53:2 – Christ as a tender plant in dry ground
Matthew 2:23 – Jesus called a Nazarene
John 7:14–15 – Jesus taught with authority without formal training
Luke 9:57–58 – Jesus had no place to lay His head
Isaiah 2:2–3 – The Lord’s house established in the last days
Daniel 2:35, 44 – God’s kingdom will never be destroyed
Acts 2:41 – Three thousand added at Pentecost
Acts 4:4 – Five thousand believed
Acts 6:1 – The disciples multiplied
1 Corinthians 3:6 – God gives the increase

The Parable of the Mustard Seed Sermon Outline
Text: Matthew 13:31–32

Introduction

• Seven parables in Matthew 13 describe the kingdom.

• The mustard seed parable teaches growth from small beginnings.

I. The Small Beginnings of the Kingdom
A. Mustard seed expression meant something tiny.
B. Christ’s humble beginnings

• Isaiah 53:2 – Tender plant out of dry ground.

• Born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth (Matthew 2:23; John 1:46).

• No formal training (John 7:14–15).

• No wealth or political influence (Luke 9:57–58).
  C. Apostles were ordinary men—mustard seed people.

II. The Growth of the Kingdom
A. Prophecies of growth

• Isaiah 2:2–3 – All nations flow to it.

• Daniel 2:35, 44 – Kingdom will never be destroyed.
  B. Fulfillment in the New Testament

• Acts 2:41 – Three thousand added.

• Acts 4:4 – Five thousand believed.

• Acts 6:1 – Disciples multiplied.
  C. From mustard seed to worldwide kingdom.

III. The Growth of the Kingdom Today
A. God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
B. Our responsibility: plant and water.
C. Practical ways to help the kingdom grow

• Teach children and grandchildren.

• Share tracts, be examples, invite others.

• Pray for the lost.

• Use creativity to reach people.

Conclusion / Call to Action

• The mustard seed shows us not to despise small beginnings.

• God causes growth, but we must plant and water.

• Do not sit idle—the kingdom needs your efforts.

• Today is the time to use your talents to help the kingdom grow.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO