The Parable of the Mustard Seed

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The Parable of the Mustard Seed

• Matthew 1331-32

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The Kingdom Would Have a Small Beginning

• Kingdom compared to the mustard seed
• 20,000 seeds to make one ounce
• Produces a very large plant
• Can grow 10-12 feet in a few weeks

As a tiny seed will grow into the largest of
garden plants, so Gods kingdom will produce many
people who truly believe!
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The Mustard Seed

• The Plant
• The smallest of seeds
• 10-15 feet in height
• Shelter for birds
• Proverbial Uses
• Used frequently to describe anything that is
  small in its beginning

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Mustard Seed Faith!
Matthew 1720
So Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief
for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as
a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain,
'Move from here to there,' and it will move and
nothing will be impossible for you.
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The Meaning of the Parable

• Kingdom of Heaven would have a small beginning
• Old Testament prophecy foretold this
• Messiah Isaiah 111 532-3
• Kingdom Daniel 235, 44

The Son of Man grew up in a despised province
He did not appear in public until His thirtieth
year then taught for two or three years in
neighboring villages, and occasionally at
Jerusalem made a few converts, chiefly among the
poor and unlearned and then falling into the
hands of His enemies, died the shameful death of
the cross such, and so slight, was the
commencement of the universal kingdom of God. --
C. Trench, Notes on the Parables of our Lord
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The Meaning of the Parable

• Its growth would belie its humble beginnings
• Growth of the church in the first century
  confirmed the truth of Jesus parable
• 120 to 3,000 in one day Acts 241-42
• Soon 5,000 Acts 44
• Continued to multiply Acts 67
• Throughout cities Acts 931
• Many believers in Jerusalem Acts 2120

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The Meaning of the Parable

• Its growth would benefit the world
• In regard to the kingdom, Paul wrote
• Those seeking rest for their souls, Jesus offers
  His invitation
• Matthew 1128-30

for the kingdom of God is not eating and
drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in
the Holy Spirit. Romans 1417
Today, the kingdom of Heaven continues to grow
and spread out its branches to those who will
accept it.
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The Growth of the Kingdom

• There is the mathematical possibility
• 20 disciples converting one person a year, then
  their converts doing the same
• Year 1 40
• Year 5 640
• Year 10 20,480
• Year 15 655,360

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The Growth of the Kingdom

• There is the spiritual possibility
• Seed of the kingdom the Word of God
• Seed which is incorruptible
• 1 Peter 123-25
• Seed capable of producing
• Isaiah 5510-11

This parable declares that the kingdom will grow!
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The Growth of the Kingdom

• What is needed is people
• People with vision
• People willing to putthe kingdom of Godfirst in
  their lives!
• Matthew 633
• People willing to abidein Christ
• John 154-8

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Conclusion
The Parable of the Mustard Seed

• The potential for the kingdoms growth rests in
  the person who reigns as its king!
• Philippians 413

An encouragement kingdom of heaven is destined
for great things, though its beginning was
small A reminder that if we are going to be
useful to the Master, we must abide in Him so
we can bear much fruit