“What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.” (vv.18-19)
This simile,"As small as a grain of mustard seed" was well known in the Jewish world and a proverb among the people in those days. It was a common sight to see a mustard plant (raised from one of these minute grains) grow to the height of a fruit tree, putting forth branches on which birds build their nests.
It was with sorrowful irony that Jesus compared the kingdom of God in those days to this small grain. But, at that time, it was composed of Jesus and his few wavering followers. It seemed impossible that this little movement could ever stir the world, or could ever become a society of mighty dimensions.
However, it grew outwardly into a great tree in which we now see; the spread of the Gospel world wide and the growth of grace in the hearts of millions of believers everywhere. Yet the fulness of the gentiles has yet to come to harvest. Therefore, the tree continues to grow.
Jesus and His twelve disciples, over two thousand years ago, planted the seed of the kingdom of God and despite great opposition to its truth down throughout the ages, the seed continues to grow today.
