Mark 4:30-32 is the parable of the mustard seed which also appears in Matthew 13:31-32 as well as Luke 13:18-19.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
These verses describe what the reign of God is like. The mustard seed is the smallest of all the seeds in Palestine. The Jews recognized that even from this small seed a large plant, large enough to give shade to a man, could grow. Such is the beginning of the church. It had its small beginnings in a band of fishermen. But like the mustard seed, it will grow until birds can take shelter in its branches.
In parts of the Old Testament, birds represented messengers of Satan. The actual text however does not bear out this kind of interpretation. The bush is seen as giving good things to others. The text speaks of what God can do with small beginnings. It is an assurance of harvest. The birds of the air may represent different nations. Perhaps Jesus was telling the disciples to get ready, that many different people would become a part of His kingdom. This parable may be a reference to a worldwide mission and growth.
If you recall last weeks parable about seeds being planted and the example of my own life used, and how I have grown. This blog page has been seen by many different persons in many different countries. Through the use of social media I am just astonished by how God is using me in spreading his Word.
While God’s kingdom appears to start small, almost invisible, we can take hope in the assurance that it is growing steadily and will achieve its promised glory and power out of all proportion to its small beginnings. Just like last week parable, this parable is about growing.
In Jesus’ day, if a person defined the kingdom by the truly dedicated followers of Jesus, it looked as small as the mustard seed on your finger. The main point is to not judge by what you see now. The Jesus movement may have been small then, but it does not mean it was insignificant. This kingdom was to grow and this was not just for the Jews. This parable also references Ezekiel 17:23, On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it; and it will bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a majestic cedar. Under it will dwell birds of every sort; in the shadow of its branches they will dwell.
This is a messianic prophecy stating that God will provide the Messiah from the royal line of David (“the high cedar”) and establish Him in His kingdom. He will be “a high branch” reigning in the height of success. “Branch” is a name for Messiah and this Messiah will be a tender one growing into a “majestic cedar”. Under His kingdom rule, all nations will be blessed.