The Parable of the Mustard Seed

(Matthew 13:31–32, Luke 13:18–19)

Then He asked,“To what can we compare the kingdom of God? With what parable shall we illustrate[fn] it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which [ is the] smallest of all seeds sown upon the earth. 32 But after it is planted, it grows to be the largest of all garden plants and puts forth great branches, so that the birds of the air nest in its shade.”

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vvv With many such parables [Jesus] spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand. 34 vvv He did not tell them [anything] without using a parable. But vvv privately He explained everything to His own disciples.

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