THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED  and THE PARABLE OF THE LEAVEN

-The Parable of the Mustard Seed

-Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19

-“In Jesus’ time birds could often be seen in the branches of the mustard plant as they

   fed on the small black seeds of the mustard pods.  Thus the parable presented a

   familiar scene to the Jews, a scene portrayed by Jesus to teach new lessons on the

   growth of God’s kingdom.”  (Lightfoot, p33)

-“The mustard-seed is here chosen because of the proportion between the smallness of

   its seed and the greatness of the plant which unfolds from it.” (Trench, p40)

-The main point:  The kingdom would grow exceedingly and would provide a spiritual

  haven of rest for many.

          -Matt 11:28

-The Parable of the Leaven

-Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20-21

-The main point:  Just as leaven will spread throughout dough, the kingdom of heaven

  would spread throughout the world.

          -Dan 2:44, Matt 28:18-20, Col 1:23