Matthew 13:31-32

³¹He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. ³²Though 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.”

Mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds in that area. Black mustard seed, at that time was grown for its production of oil. This seed may grow up to about fifteen feet with a thick main stem with strong branches, that can support the weight of a bird. One time Jesus used the mustard seed in one of His parables for its little size.  Luke 17:6  He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

One important lesson from this parable of mustard seed is that we must not despise a small beginning, because greater is a small beginning if God is in it. Also, we must not get too comfortable if our church or our organization becomes large. For things which are large and famous are much more expose to birds and their debasing influence.  Church grows from small size to large, we should not make judgment of growth based mainly on the size of the organization. We should not make too much of the size or popularity of an organization to certify it. For there are organizations that are popular, but wrong. There are some which are unpopular , but correct.

We all know that birds are not part of the tree, but aliens to it. Jesus speaks of birds in His parable of the sower as the devil who takes away the word which is sown along the path. In Paul farewell speech to the Ephesians elders, Paul warns:“I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.” (Acts 20:29). Birds may also represent false ideas being introduced into church. There are churches that think that there is safety in numbers. There isn’t, safety is only found in God. There are some popular ideas which are often contrary to the Biblical truth. Some philosophies have resulted in a great deal of corruption in the church. We must be very watchful. Such contrary ideas or beliefs not found in the bible should not be allowed in the church.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to build my faith in You and in Your righteousness. Help me to trust you always, Father, take glory in all that I do and let the blessings be mine. Give me the understanding and courage to continue in life and to know that greater is a small beginning if God is in it.  Give me the power to allow You in all that I do in life.