He presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." He spoke another parable to them, "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened." [Matthew 13:31-33 NASB]These parables compliment each other, and have to be read in context. Jesus has just finished telling a parable that describes the corruption that will come into the church. Sandwiched between the parable its explanation are these two parables.
First he tells of the mustard seed. If you read various commentaries you will likely find two interpretations of this parable. The most popular is that the mustard seed represents the church, which starts small, and grows to become a big and beautiful thing, providing a refuge for the weary. This is a beautiful picture of the church, but it doesn't fit the reality of the church, nor the context of scripture.
The second opinion says that the mustard seed represents corruption in the church (as in the previous parable), and the birds represent the evil one who comes to snatch away the word of God. This has the advantage of taking into account the immediate context of scripture, but doesn't hold up to closer scrutiny. The man in the story sowed the seed in his own field. This would imply that Jesus sowed corruption in the church.
Looking at the broader context of scripture, what other reference is made to mustard seeds? Jesus said, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." [Matthew 17:20 NASB]
I believe the mustard seed represents faith. Paul said, "God has allotted to each a measure of faith." [Romans 12:3 NASB] So we each receive a measure of faith, like a mustard seed, and as we experience the grace of God, our faith in Him grows. This applies equally to individuals and the church at large.
But, coupled with the second parable, we see that it comes with a warning.
Throughout the Bible, leaven is used to represent corruption. Within the context of corruption and false teaching, Paul said, "A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough." [Galatians 5:9 NASB]
We see it in Christians who start off with great faith and zeal. But over time, they allow the cares of life to intrude. They listen to the teaching of naysayers who deny the power of God. Over time, these once zealous Christians become complacent, and just come in to warm a pew, or worse, they walk away from God altogether. A little bit of doubt can kill your faith.
We see it over and over in the church throughout history. A great move of God brings the power of God with great revival, and masses of people coming to Christ. Over time, the leaders of each of these movements has decided to organize themselves, and create a new denomination. Eventually, each of these denominations became concerned with finances, social and political matters, and their standing in the world. And they each have become just as irrelevant as the churches they once condemned.
There's not much we, as individuals, can do to change the world, but we can look after our own faith.
Jesus has sown faith in you, as a gift. It is now up to you to nurture and protect that faith so that it will grow. You do this by staying true the word of God. Study the Bible, so that you know what it says. Know what you believe and why you believe it. This way, if a word comes along that would steal your faith, you are shielded against it.
Remember that the only absolute authority is God. Not a best selling author. Not a popular televangelist. Not your own pastor. Only God. Feel free to question everything and study it out in the Bible for yourself. Pray for wisdom and let the Holy Spirit guide and teach you.
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