The Mustard Seed
In ancient times, a warring king sent Alexander the Great a threatening bag of sesame seeds in reference to the vast number of his troops. In return, Alexander sent a bag of mustard seeds—smaller, yes, but more numerous and more potent! Throughout history, mustard has been popular both for its culinary and healing properties, but also as a symbol.

One ancient writer claimed mustard would cure scorpion bites. Another suggested it would improve lazy housewives! Alexander the Great used mustard in the above scenario to represent the size and power of his troops. More recently, scientists have discovered that mustard seeds contain a number of healthy properties, such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron.

Jesus also used mustard as a symbol. In Mark, he compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed. As Jesus noted, the mustard seed was the smallest seed sown by local Palestinian farmers, yet it commonly grew up to a height of 12 feet.

Similarly, God’s kingdom often starts small. If you look back on your life, you can probably identify little instances of a choice or a conversation that began your journey closer to God. The beginning of God’s kingdom in our hearts isn’t always an impressive event. Many times it is simply small steps and slow growth progressing forward. Our walk with God doesn’t develop overnight, but like the mustard plant, it can show incredible growth in time when it is planted in the right soil.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? Mark 4:30
The Mustard Seed In ancient times, a warring king sent Alexander the Great a threatening bag of sesame seeds in reference to the vast number of his troops. In return, Alexander sent a bag of mustard seeds—smaller, yes, but more numerous and more potent! Throughout history, mustard has been popular both for its culinary and healing properties, but also as a symbol. One ancient writer claimed mustard would cure scorpion bites. Another suggested it would improve lazy housewives! Alexander the Great used mustard in the above scenario to represent the size and power of his troops. More recently, scientists have discovered that mustard seeds contain a number of healthy properties, such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron. Jesus also used mustard as a symbol. In Mark, he compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed. As Jesus noted, the mustard seed was the smallest seed sown by local Palestinian farmers, yet it commonly grew up to a height of 12 feet. Similarly, God’s kingdom often starts small. If you look back on your life, you can probably identify little instances of a choice or a conversation that began your journey closer to God. The beginning of God’s kingdom in our hearts isn’t always an impressive event. Many times it is simply small steps and slow growth progressing forward. Our walk with God doesn’t develop overnight, but like the mustard plant, it can show incredible growth in time when it is planted in the right soil. KEY BIBLE TEXTS And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? Mark 4:30
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