A mustard seed is small but grows into something great. Today, we’ll look at what the Bible says about this tiny seed and how it symbolizes faith. Even small faith can lead to amazing things with God’s help.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Faithful
What Does The Bible Say About A Mustard Seed
Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
This verse emphasizes the power of faith, even if it is as small as a mustard seed. It shows that with unwavering faith, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve the seemingly impossible. Our faith in God can move mountains in our lives.
Mark 4:30-32
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
This parable teaches us that the kingdom of God may start small, but it has the potential to grow abundantly. Just like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, can grow into a large plant, so can God’s kingdom flourish and provide shelter and refuge for all who seek it.
Luke 17:6
He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”
Once again, this verse highlights the incredible power of faith, even when it seems small. It illustrates that with faith in God, we can speak with authority and see miraculous things happen. Our faith has the capacity to bring about great change and accomplish what may seem impossible.
Matthew 13:31-32
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
Here, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed once again. This parable illustrates that even though the kingdom of heaven may start small, it has the potential to expand and provide shelter and nourishment for many. It shows that from humble beginnings, greatness can arise.
Luke 13:18-19
Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”
In this passage, Jesus once again uses the analogy of a mustard seed to describe the kingdom of God. The kingdom expands and provides a place of rest and nourishment for all who seek refuge in its branches. It depicts the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, where everyone is welcome.
Matthew 17:19-20
Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
This verse shows that even the disciples, who had witnessed countless miracles, struggled due to their lack of faith. Jesus encourages them that with even the smallest amount of unwavering faith, they can move mountains and accomplish the extraordinary with God’s power.
Matthew 13:31
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.”
Through this parable, Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven starts small but has the potential to grow and flourish. Just like a mustard seed, the impact of God’s reign in our lives may begin subtly, but it can bring about transformation and fruitfulness in due time.
Mark 4:30
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?
This verse sets the stage for the parable of the mustard seed, where Jesus seeks to explain what the kingdom of God is like. He uses this parable to provide a relatable and memorable analogy for his listeners to grasp the concept of the kingdom’s growth and impact.
Luke 17:5
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
In this verse, the apostles recognize the significance of faith and earnestly request Jesus to increase their faith. It acknowledges the understanding that faith is vital in navigating the challenges of life and accessing the transformative power of God.
Mark 11:22-23
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.
Jesus emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in this verse. He assures that with true faith in God, we have the ability to speak with authority and witness remarkable transformations. Belief without doubt and trust in God’s power can lead to miraculous outcomes.
Luke 17:7-10
Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So, you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”
Jesus uses this analogy to teach humility and obedience to his disciples. He reminds them that even when they have accomplished what is expected of them, they should consider themselves unworthy servants, fully dependent on God’s grace and guidance.
Matthew 13:32
Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
This verse highlights the extraordinary growth potential of a mustard seed. Although it begins as the smallest seed, it can develop into a substantial plant that provides shelter and nourishment for others. It symbolizes the immense impact that God’s work can have in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
Luke 17:21
nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Jesus declares that the kingdom of God is not confined to a physical location. Rather, it resides within the hearts of believers. This verse emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God and the impact of his kingdom within each individual.
Mark 4:31-32
It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
This parable further emphasizes the astonishing growth potential of a mustard seed. It demonstrates that even the smallest beginnings can lead to significant outcomes. God’s work in our lives may start small, but it can mature into something substantial and make a meaningful impact.
Matthew 17:21
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.
This verse reinforces the link between faith and the ability to accomplish extraordinary things. Jesus assures his disciples that with true faith and no doubts, they can not only perform miracles like with the cursed fig tree but also have the authority to command mountains to be moved through their faith in God.
Matthew 17:16-17
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.
This passage highlights Jesus’ frustration with the lack of faith displayed by the people around him. Despite the disbelief and skepticism, Jesus demonstrates his power and authority by healing the boy possessed by a demon. It serves as a reminder that faith is a critical factor in experiencing the miraculous work of God.
Mark 9:24
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
In this heartfelt cry, the father of the boy possessed by a demon acknowledges both his belief and struggle with doubt. His plea for Jesus to help him overcome his unbelief serves as a reminder that faith is not always a constant state but can be strengthened with the help of God.
Matthew 21:21
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.
Similar to the previous verse mentioned, this passage reiterates the profound impact of faith when coupled with a lack of doubt. Jesus reminds his disciples that with unwavering faith, they possess the authority to accomplish incredible things with God’s power backing them.
Matthew 13:33
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
In this parable, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to yeast that permeates and transforms a large batch of dough. It illustrates how the presence of God’s kingdom can bring about profound change and influence all aspects of our lives when fully embraced.
Mark 9:23
“If you can” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Jesus responds to a father’s plea to heal his son with these words that reiterate the power of faith. He asserts that anything is possible for those who truly believe in God’s ability to work miracles and transform circumstances.
Luke 17:14
When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
In this account, Jesus instructs a group of lepers to show themselves to the priests, and as they step out in faith and follow his command, they are supernaturally cleansed. It emphasizes the significance of obedience in conjunction with faith and how it can lead to miraculous outcomes.