Parables of the Kingdom

 Parables

October 29, 2026

Mark 4:30-32 (NKJV) 

30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parableshall we picture it? 31 “[It is] like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32 “but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

Why did Jesus teach in parables? And how do we interpret the meaning of the parables?

In Mark 4, we find three parables about seed. First is the parable about the sower who sowed on 4 types of soils; one on the beaten path, another among stones, a third with thorns and the final one on good ground. The second parable was about growing seed and harvest. The third parable was the strangest of all, the parable of the mustard seed. What do these parables mean, and how can the kingdom of God be like a mustard seed? We are not alone in wondering as the disciples asked the same thing.

Mark 4:10-11 (NKJV) 

10 But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. 11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables,

Mark 4:33-34 (NKJV) 

33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able tohear [it.] 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.

So the parables are intended to both illustrate and hide the truth. To those with ears to hear, the parables are easily understood, but to those committed to oppose the kingdom, the parables were a mystery. The Pharisees and doctors of the law couldn't argue with a parable as it was just a simple story about everyday life. Sowing seed, watching it grow and harvesting the crop was something that everyone understood, but the underlying meaning was hidden from those without spiritual discernment.

So then, how is the kingdom of God like a mustard seed?  First of all, it is not overwhelming. Israel was looking for a Messiah coming with a mighty army to overthrow their enemies and establish an earthly kingdom. Jesus is saying that this is not the way it’s going to happen. The kingdom will start quietly with a humble country preacher and 12 disciples in an obscure corner of the Roman Empire. Nothing impressive about that start, but the second aspect is in the nature of the seed. However small it may look, a mustard seed contains all of the nature of a mustard plant. The faith of a mustard seed, is that it grows and grows until it’s hidden nature is manifested. The mustard seed becomes a mustard tree because it is in its nature to become a mustard tree. The gospel of the kingdom is like it in that it is the nature of the word to grow and produce fruit. When sown in good ground, the gospel of the kingdom grew from just 12 disciples to be a kingdom that will reach every corner of the globe. The mystery of the mustard seed faith, is not that it starts so small, but that it contains in it’s nature the ability to become great. It is the nature of the mustard seed to grow into a tree, and it is the nature of the gospel of the kingdom to grow into a mighty kingdom that will rule the whole world. The king of kings and lord of lords is contained in a small beginning of Jesus and 12 disciples, but everything is contained in that message to take over the whole world. So Maranatha, come Lord Jesus! Let those who have ears to hear the message of the gospel of the kingdom.