The Parable of The Mustard Seed
March 25, 2021
Commentary
In Palestine, a grain of mustard seed was a symbol for the smallest possible thing (vv. 30–32). It was not the smallest seed known, yet it was very small, about the size of a petunia seed. When planted in the ground, it grows into a tree that can reach over twelve feet in height. Something that seems small and insignificant at the moment can become very large over time. In the same way, small beginnings should not be despised or ignored. God often starts His work in quiet and unseen ways. What seems weak today may become strong in the future. Even a small step of faith can lead to great results. This is true of both good and evil in our lives. Jesus used simple stories like this to help people understand His teaching (v. 33). “But without a parable spake he not unto them.” Through these stories, He connected deep truths to everyday life situations.
After teaching the large crowd, Jesus was exhausted. His humanity is clearly seen in His need for rest after ministry. He got into a boat, lay down, and soon fell asleep (vv. 35–41). A great “storm” arose, and the boat began to fill with water, yet Jesus continued sleeping. The disciples woke Him in fear, showing how quickly panic can replace trust in difficult moments. And immediately, He responded. “Peace, be still.” The wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Even the wind and sea obeyed His powerful voice. He then asked, “Why are ye so fearful?” Their fear revealed how little they understood His power. In that moment, they were learning to trust Him more. This life is full of “storms” of sorrow, problems, and anxiety, yet Jesus understands our fears. When we place our faith in Him, we learn that He is with us even in the “storm,” and He alone can bring true peace to our hearts.
Application
Do I trust God even in small beginnings? Do I believe He is working when I cannot see it? How do I respond in life’s storms—fear or faith? Will I remember that Jesus is with me right now? I choose to trust His power and stay calm. Even in difficulty, will I listen to His voice, rest in His peace, and trust in His ways?
Mark 4:30–41 (NET)
30 He also asked, “To what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use to present it? 31 It is like a mustard seed that when sown in the ground, even though it is the smallest of all the seeds in the ground— 32 when it is sown, it grows up, becomes the greatest of all garden plants, and grows large branches so that the wild birds can nest in its shade.”
33 So with many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable. But privately he explained everything to his own disciples.
35 On that day, when evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go across to the other side of the lake.” 36 So after leaving the crowd, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat, and other boats were with him. 37 Now a great windstorm developed and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was nearly swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. They woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to die?” 39 So he got up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Be quiet! Calm down!” Then the wind stopped, and it was dead calm. 40 And he said to them, “Why are you cowardly? Do you still not have faith?” 41 They were overwhelmed by fear and said to one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and sea obey him!”
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