2. The Mustard Seed
Jesus once told a parable about sowing a
mustard seed.
“What shall we say the Kingdom of God is
like?” asked Jesus, “What parable shall we
use to explain it? It is like this. A man takes
a mustard seed, the smallest seed in the
world, and plants it in the ground. After a
while it grows up and becomes the biggest
of all plants. It puts out such large
branches that the birds come and make
their nests in its shade” Mark 4:30-32
3. Hidden meaning
• The Kingdom of God is compared to the growth of a
plant.
• The seed of love is sown in peoples hearts. It grows
slowly and silently deep within each person.
• Every time someone does something good, no
matter how small, it is a sign that God’s love is in
their heart.
• Jesus promised that from something small, slowly,
over time, amazing things will grow.
4. • The ground …… A person’s heart
• A seed…… God’s love
• A small plant…. A good action
• A fully grown tree…..the Kingdom of God
5. • The fully grown plant
stands for the
Kingdom of God fully
present in the world.
• Jesus told the parable
to show that the
Kingdom of God will
grow slowly and
steadily like a seed
grows into a plant.
6. Explain how a small ordinary everyday action can
make a big difference in building the Kingdom of
God.
• Turning up for training • Owning up to
• Phoning home if you wrongdoing
are delayed • Lending a bus fare
• Watering the plants • Listening to a friend’s
• Turning loud music problem
down • Saying sorry
• Waiting for someone • Sharing a snack
• Signing a petition • Being on time
• Collecting little sister • Making a cup of tea
from school for someone
7. Exercise
• Explain the meaning of Jesus’ parable of
the mustard seed.
• Find more information at
http://www.ccel.org/contrib/exec_outlines/pa.h
