Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 13:31-32

"Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: which indeed is less than all seeds; but when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the heaven come and lodge in the branches thereof." — Matthew 13:31-32 (ASV)

Mustard seed is the least of all seeds in proportion to what comes from it, but it has a special life in it and therefore it produces such great growth.

We know the man in the parable. His field is the Church or the heart. He takes the seed that, perhaps, others neglect because they think it so small. He sows the living seed in his own field and watches over it. It grows and grows, until finally it becomes the greatest among herbs and is like a tree.

The results of the divine life in the soul are by no means small, but great graces, great projects, and great deeds are produced by it.

The work of grace in the Church and in the individual is so apparent that persons who know as little about heavenly things as linnets and sparrows come and find shelter beneath the holy and beneficent influences and institutions that are its outgrowth.

We could not have guessed that our Lord and His twelve apostles would produce the myriad churches of Christendom. We cannot even now tell to what a humble effort to do good may grow. We do not know to what our own inner life will come. It has an expanding power within it, and it will burst every bond and grow into something that will cast a shadow, yield fruit, and lend shelter. If the Lord has planted the incorruptible seed within, its destiny is a great one.

Good Master, hasten this blessed development. We have seen nearly enough of the mustard seed. Now let us see the tree.

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds:

Commonly known in that country.

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

The kingdom of heaven is just like that in this world; wherever it comes, it comes to grow. And it is just like that in our hearts.

Oh, how small is the first sign of grace in the soul! Perhaps it is only a single thought. The divine life may begin with only a wish, or with one painful conviction of error; but if it is the true and living seed of God, it will grow.

And there is no telling how great will be its growth until, in that soul where all was darkness, many graces, like sweet songbirds, will come and sing, and make joy and gladness there. Oh, that you and I might experientially know the meaning of the parable of the mustard seed!