The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Jesus asks how the kingdom can be compared, then answers with the mustard seed. What begins as the smallest seed becomes the largest garden plant and spreads branches that give birds a place to nest.

T³⁰hen He asked, “To what can we compare the kingdom of God? With what parable shall we present it? ³¹It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds sown upon the earth. ³²But after it is planted, it grows to be the largest of all garden plants and puts forth great branches, so that the birds of the air nest in its shade.”

Mark says Jesus spoke many such parables so far as the hearers could understand. He taught the crowds in parables, yet explained everything privately to his own disciples.

³³With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand. ³⁴He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples.