The Parable of the Mustard Seed
And the Parable of the Yeast
Matt. 13:31-33
Pastor Jerry Koller

Reminder: The Parable of the Sower and the Seed is foundational to the understanding of the rest of the parables.

One of the first things that is apparent is that Jesus does not explain these parables to His disciples like He did the previous two.

Commentators are divided on the interpretation of these two parables. Both views focus on the kingdom of God, but they differ in perspective.

Beginning with verse 31, Matthew writes: He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…”

Jesus did not say the kingdom of God is a mustard seed. He said it is like a mustard seed. There is a similarity between the two.

This is the third time Jesus mentions the word seed in a parable.
· Produces fruit (Sower & Seed)
· Word of God (Sower & Seed—Luke)
· Wheat (Wheat & Tares)
· Sons of the Kingdom (Wheat & Tares)
· Here, it is like a mustard seed.

He said the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed ...which a man took and planted in his field.
· the Son of Man, Jesus
· the Sower

Jesus goes on to say:

Parables may literally be true, but that doesn’t mean they are true literally.

One school of thought believes Jesus is illustrating how the kingdom of God started out very small but will grow very large in the period of time between His first and second coming.

The question can be asked, so what is Jesus illustrating in the parable of the Mustard Seed?
In the eastern culture of the day, mustard seed often symbolized something small and insignificant.

In this passage, mustard seed is used to represent something small. In this case, it was faith.

The kingdom of God did start our small. But it grew. In fact, it grew to abnormal proportions.
· The combined growth (of the Wheat and Weeds) makes the kingdom appear to be something it is not.

The enemy has become so effective with his efforts that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches…
· In the Sower and the Seed, Jesus said the birds represent the evil one—the devil.

Satan doesn’t mind the church as long as he can infiltrate it with look-alikes.
· He doesn’t mind it as long as he can plant false Christians which result in false abnormal growth through the spread of false doctrine.

The abnormal growth of the mustard seed serve to illustrate the two antagonistic forces that are at work in the world in this age—between Christ’s first and second coming.

Yeast in the Scriptures:
· It was a symbol of evil.
· It was to be removed from Jewish homes during the celebration of Passover.
· It never was included in any sacrifice.

Yeast is a disintegrating force.

Throughout His teaching, Jesus used leaven (or yeast) to picture hypocrisy, false teaching, and worldly compromise.
· Sin, in any shape and form, becomes a disintegrating force in the church—especially through false doctrine.

2 Perspectives:
· The mustard seed illustrates the false outward expansion of the kingdom.
· The leaven illustrates the inward development of false doctrine and false living; two antagonistic forces that are at work in the world.

The Battle
· These parables help us understand the battle that is taking place.

Stand Firm
· These parables encourage us to stand firm until the end of the age.

Bear Fruit
· These parables remind us to do what kingdom seed is designed to do.

Give Hope
· These parables are an encouragement, knowing that our King is well aware of the enemy and his tactics, knowing that in the end, he (and we) will prevail.

· Lacey Schultz (daughter of Clint & Kristen Schultz) and her new baby boy, Ace Maddox, who arrived on 3/5 at 32 weeks. He weighed 3 lbs., 5 oz. and was 17" long. He is doing well in the NICU on a c-pap machine and with IV feedings (new baby pictures attached). Lacey continues to have high blood pressure and has been diagnosed with "hellps syndrome," which is complicating her recovery, but doctors expect it will clear up in a few days. Please continue to keep both of them in prayer as they strengthen and heal.
· Jim Seagren (friend of Stan & Jean Robinson) is recovering from an additional surgery due to cancer. They are unable to remove the tumor and are trying to bypass blockages caused by it. The prognosis is not good as the cancer is spread extensively through his body.
· Joe Collins (father-in-law of Kim Collins) has been released from the hospital following a battle with Covid and continues to recover at home.
· The Family of Norma Leins who passed away on 2/13 at the age of 101. Norma was a long time member of FBC.
· Vicki Olson is recovering from corrective surgery on both of her feet. Pray for a speedy recovery and patience as she is confined to bed while she heals.
· Steve Follman is recovering from surgery for a total knee replacement.
· Randy Follman (brother of Steve Follman) is recovering from hip replacement surgery.
· Deborah Kirby (Vasha Ferguson's sister) is in a rehab center following a massive stroke in July 2020. Praise God that medical insurance has been upgraded to meet her needs. Her recovery is slowly progressing and although it is greatly painful, she is gaining movement on the left side with the help of therapy.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com