PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED
Matthew 13:31-32
INTRO: As we have seen before, Jesus used parables in His teaching to show His followers a comparison to His heavenly kingdom. The parable of the mustard seed shows how the kingdom is like the mustard seed in that it began small, and as it grows, it becomes larger until the second coming.
The mustard seed is not the smallest seed on earth, but it is the smallest of the garden herbs. Yet it outgrew them all.
I. THE SMALLNESS OF THE ORIGIN OF THE KINGDOM.
A. At the birthplace of Jesus.
1. Bethlehem, not Jerusalem.
2. In a stable, not the inn.
B. The occupation of His parents.
1. He was the son of a poor virgin.
2. His father was a carpenter.
C. His ministry.
1. He started out in private teaching.
2. No big announcements made about his preaching. No big show.
D. His followers.
1. Fishermen and tax collectors.
2. None of the rulers or the great.
3. His friends were the poor people.
II. THE GREATNESS OF ITS PROGRESS.
A. The rapid growth of the Gospel.
1. In Jerusalem, the city of Christ’s death.
2. Through all the known world in one generation (40 years).
3. Matt. 24:14 is fulfilled if it means that it will occur before
the rapture.
B. The difficulties it overcame.
1. The hardness of the human heart.
2. The old and sacred religious systems.
3. The worldly prejudices to conquer.
C. The success of the Gospel.
1. It is the power of God.
2. Truth overcoming error.
III. ITS FINAL GLORIOUS MAGNITUDE.
A. It shall overcome all other religions.
1. Every form of idolatry.
2. They must all decline and pass away.
3. Like the mustard outgrew all other seeds.
B. It shall evangelize all nations.
1. It will meet the needs and wants of all men in all nations.
2. It is to be carried into all the world (Matt. 24:14).
C. It shall bless all men.
1. We are blessed when we accept Him.
2. At the end of this age, we will receive the greatest blessing
of all.
