Mustard Seed: Parable in Matthew 13 Explained - Essay Sample

Introduction

The historical context of the parable in Matthew 13 follows the log parable of the sower and the seed. This is in addition to the parable of the tares planted by the enemy among the good seed within the garden. Matthew 13:31-32 offers an exposition of the parable of the mustard seed. It asserts that the heavenly kingdom is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Although it is the smallest seeds in the field, it grew to be the largest in the garden plants' entire field and becomes a tree. In this way, the birds of the air come and perch within its branches. Through the use of parables, it is evident that Jesus was able to relate through intriguing stories with familiar or historical settings. Ideally, our grasp of this parable is based on the correct understanding of its key elements. These include the sower, the mustard seed, and the great tree which will grow from it as well as the birds perching on its branches.

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At the time of Jesus, the Jews were primarily remnant of the covenant nations of Israel. Ideally, the nation of Israel demonstrated a special purpose in God's hand, and though the nation had committed numerous sins. However, the purpose and plans of God were sure. At that moment, it was vital to the purpose of God that the nation is replanted and subjected to endurance. Notably, prophesy regarding the birth and death of Jesus Christ was yet to be fulfilled. Under these circumstances, the purpose of God would stand. Although it is portrayed as small, God was working to provide for them and hold them for His heavenly Kingdom.

Main Points and the Original Context

The first two elements can be easily explained and understood. From the spiritual point of view, Jesus Himself is the sower. He is the planter who came to atone for our sins to make it fruitful. The mustard seed is known at the time. While it develops more of a shrub than a tree, it can reach more than 100 feet high. Biblically, the seed offers of the gospel that starts with few people reach a million of people who finally inherit the heavenly kingdom. In this case, the field represents all the people on earth who will receive Him.

A tree is therefore rooted in Jesus Christ and has developed a harvest far beyond its initial planting. The King James Version asserts that "it is the greatest among all herbs," growing far-reaching branches beyond natural explanation. The birds of the air within this parable originate from the Greek word, "Orneon," which means "to perceive to hear." The tree, in this sense, provides a refuge for His faithfulness in Him.

From the historical context, it has always been known that a tree whose branches provide a sanctuary for birds was a common symbol of the Old Testament for a mighty kingdom that provided shelter to various nations. The tree further symbolizes the greatness and refuge of the nations. As such, the tiny mustard seed that develops into a big tree refers to Jesus' offer of refuge people and life within God's Kingdom.

Application of the Parable in Today's Church

The actions of Today's church has been dramatically guided by the teaching of Jesus in His ministry. Throughout the gospel, Jesus Christ used multiple parables to relate to the believers' lives regarding the work that brought Him on earth. Jesus uses this parable to teach us about the simplicity and shortness of His parables that are effective teaching tools. In this case, Christ's method stands in sharp contrast to the involved and comprehensive approach of some of the commentators.

Ideally, this is a clear illustration regarding how the church should relate. The farmers could apply these concepts to improve their agricultural productivity. Additionally, the merchants could relate the illustrations from the business translated into spiritual principles. Christ also spoke about the common civic duties that happen in the contemporary world. The Christians are being taught to have a faith of a mustard seed. Ideally, Jesus' parable of the Mustard seed utilizes one of the most extreme examples of growth. It means that the smallest seed that becomes the largest of the garden plants.

Without proper care and attention, the seedling will fade away. However, proper care enables it generates a heartily reward. It begins with a simple idea, just like a concept taught as children and maybe in adulthood. Ideally, Christians must have faith in whatever they are doing. Ideally, their actions must be guided by their faith. The Bible teaches believers to demonstrate commitment through their faith. With these, they can do great things that are in line with God's command.

One major question that many people can ask themselves concerns about how they can give God their attention, especially when their faith is still a seedling that has not reached the light of the day yet (Arnot, 2020). Here, the parable of the mustard seed teaches us that we should choose walking with the Lord. Ideally, it means treating Him as a friend, mentor, coach, and parent. They should talk to Him often and ask Him to help them. They should also observe His majesty within their everyday lives, both in sunrises and sunsets. Thus, offering God an opportunity to control their lives will help them get to know more about Him through His Word. Thus, the parable tremendously encourages believers to read the Bible to learn about their religion and history. The majority of people only think that faith is concerns hope. However, there is a logical foundation or Christianity that is based on the near-fact.

Finally, the parable of the mustard seed teaches us about the need to nurture their faith. As such, the reward will be great as promised by the Lord. The believers must be able to stay strong in their faith to work and operate in God's ways. Besides, having a strong faith can help millions of non-believers to come in the ways of Christ. The weeds can be anywhere, including in the church. Therefore, the Christians must ask God to assist them to discern whether they are faced with a weed or not. The best part of it is that a strong faith in the Lord may help them overcome many challenges that may come to their ways. Christians must have faith in whatever they are doing. Their actions must be guided by their faith. The Bible teaches believers to demonstrate commitment through their faith. With these, they can do great things that are in line with God's command.

References

Arnot, W. (2020). The parables of our Lord. Good Press.

Ivar Østmoe, T. (2020). Rhetorical Battles: Jesus as Speaker in the Gospel of Mark. Journal of Qur'anic Studies, 22(1), 31-50.