What is the mustard seed?

[Invisibilis]

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. 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 explains what the seed becomes.

Luke 9:57-58 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." 58. Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

What is this place? The answer to which points to what the seed is.

 

[reformed1689]

What is the mustard seed?

This is not difficult....



MUSTARD [Gk sínapi]. The smallness of the mustard seed is mentioned in Mt. 13:31f.; 17:20; Mk. 4:31; Lk. 13:19; 17:6. The rabbis used a “grain of mustard” to characterize something very minute. The mustard plant, however, can be described as a “tree” (Mt. 13:32; cf. Lk. 13:19) and as putting out “great branches” (Mk. 4:32). Of several varieties of mustard, the references seem to be to Sinapis nigra L., cultivated black mustard. Normally attaining a maximum height of 1.2 m (4 ft), some species can grow to 4.6 m (15 ft) under favorable conditions. Sinapis nigra, S. alba, S. orientalis, and others were grown for their aromatic seeds. Birds came to the trees to eat these seeds (Mt. 13:32, etc.), not to build their nests (cf. NEB and RSV). The spindly appearance of the mature shrub might convey the impression of a large tree when compared with the minuteness of the seed, but in any event the contrast is a deliberate exaggeration. The mustard seed was the smallest of its kind in the ancient Near East, and in such an environment it germinated and grew quickly. Birds could then lodge in its branches. It is not necessary to suppose that the large Salvadora Persica Garrin is the plant referred to by the Gk. sínapi.

R. K. HARRISON


R. K. Harrison, “Mustard,” ed. Geoffrey W Bromiley, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1979–1988), 449.

 

[Giuliano]

What is the mustard seed?

The small seed can be called the implanted Word, the Bread of Life, the seed of immortality, or divine spark, etc. It is also like a salt crystal composed of chlorine and sodium atoms in a coherent form that can attract other chlorine and sodium ions to itself, growing the crystal. The intelligence in this type of life stands in stark contrast to the fallen form of life which contains within it a curse that leads to breakdown of order.

First the mustard plant is like a shrub. This is the first stage of spiritual growth. In the second stage, it can be compared to a tree that reaches higher. It is at this stage the person makes contact with angels. If all goes well, without any serious setbacks, the first stage takes at least three years. At this stage, the person is still dependent on the lessons of his teacher and for his Light from others. Light is perceived as exterior to self at this first stage, being received. At the second stage, the internal Light becomes stronger and the person begins to convert matter into his own Body of Light on his own, without the aid of others.

Thus the Apostles served with Jesus about three years; and when a replacement was chosen for Judas, they picked someone who had been baptized by John, someone who had also been on the Path for about three years. Similarly we see Paul withdrawing to the desert for about three years before he embarked on his Apostolic mission.

For this reason also, the early Church forbid the rapid advancement of clergy at least by canon law. In practice however this was not also so, leading to mischief in the Church. Putting someone into the role of a leader without his demonstrating he had established the connection to Heaven and is of good character is a shortcoming of many churches. Correct Tradition most likely will not be maintained in these conditions since hierarchy promoted spiritually immature men whose branches do not reach up into Heaven, nor do angels sit in their branches.

 

[Invisibilis]

The seed Jesus refers to is that tiny bit we know is true. That small voice of truth within us all.

Faith, is loving that tiny bit we know is true. We are the field the seed is planted in. If we keep loving the truth, it will grow abundantly of Truth and of Good fruit. This is the way, the truth, and the life Christ wants us to become.

As advocates of Christ (Christians), we Love the Truth and become Faithful to both.
Those seeking salvation will be attracted to the good fruit (of love, truth, and faith) of Christ, or of Christians. They will find rest, and a place to lay their head. Knowing that their search for salvation has come to an end. Hence, the birds finding branches to rest on, let alone having access to the good fruit.

When Jesus said "...the Son of Man has no place to lay his head", he meant that the Son of Man/Human, while on earth, does not have God to rest on, until what has to be done on earth is done/over.

 

[Base12]

The mustard seed is, of course, not the smallest of seeds in the world.

Who said it was?

The verse states that it was the smallest seed the farmer had planted in his field.

Nowhere does it use the word 'World'.

 

[Webers_Home]

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● Matt 13:31-32 . . 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.

An interpretation that I heard on radio suggested that Jesus' parable
describes the current condition of the kingdom of heaven rather than its
future condition.

In other words; the tree is already grown; and one of its characteristics is
those birds, which typically, but not always, represent the presence of evil.
In other words; those birds are detrimental; they're pests, for example:

● Matt 11:12 . . From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of
heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.

The Greek word for "violent" basically refers to the aggressive use and abuse
of power. Well; one only read today's newspapers, or watch television
newscasts, to see that what Jesus said is happening all around the world
every day.

Jesus' reference to John the Baptist indicates that Christ's arrival on the
scene back then changed nothing. The kingdom went on controlled by
forceful people, as it continues to be controlled by them even now in our
day, and won't be remedied until the kingdom's king returns.

● Matt 13:40-43 . . As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it
will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and
they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do
evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping
and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the
kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
_