We've had little glimpses of what the kingdom of God is like according to Jesus- he asks here- with what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? He's wanting people to pick this up (the kingdom) in that veiled way he's going about things. Here he says its like the small mustard seed- which is very small when sown upon the earth- yet when sown it grows and becomes the greatest of all shrubs ( Z & G have vegetable here – BDAG- edible garden herb, vegetable lists this verse and puts, 'every kind of garden herb') – large branches so birds of the air (heavens) can make nests in its shade- make nests is kataskenoun -take up ones abode, settle; here roost (Z & G).
Something small, that becomes great and provides somewhere to dwell. Is the point it looks inconsequential when sown, but becomes this solid thing that provides a home to many as it grows?
The seed does have to be sown as Thielicke points out- otherwise you don't get the big vegetable.
Again, as in the last parable have to realise that though the process is mysterious the Spirit is strong- Thielicke gives a story of the first bible study he led when he became a pastor- there were two old ladies and an organ player with cerebral palsy- didn't look very great- where are you in this?
Bit like that verse- don't (or is it who) despise the day of small things. But seeds sown can become trees.
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