The parable of the mustard seed is found in Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:18-19. Though very similar, each of the gospels offers a different emphasis.

Matthew – growth and shelter.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” - Matthew 13:31b-32

Mark – small beginning can become great results.

“With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” - Mark 4:30b-32

Luke – a concise summary.

“What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” - Luke 13:18b-19

Symbolism

Kingdom of Heaven/God – is clearly a reference to what born-again Christians have been promised on the other side of the grave. In Ezekiel 17:23 the Kingdom of God is also seen as a small twig that becomes a strong tree, producing fruit in its branches. The overarching theme is the growth of the Kingdom of God and the believer’s place in Heaven.

Mustard Seed – was the smallest of seeds available to the Jews in Israel. However, the plant could grow up to fifteen feet high. In a broad sense, the seed and plant were used as an illustration of Christianity, which had humble beginnings through Jesus (Philippians 2:7-8). But just as the seed becomes a huge plant, so too will the power and grandeur of God’s Kingdom grow in and through the hearts of mankind over time. As each of us approaches the end of life on this earth, Heaven awaits the believer… greater than anything we can ever imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9). In a more narrow sense, the change from seed to plant also symbolized the spiritual growth of a believer over time, through the process of sanctification.

Birds, Nests, and Branches – symbolize the Kingdom of God being a place of peace and safety, able to accommodate all who are allowed entrance. The birds are the saved; the nests reflect comfort and love for an eternity without sin. The abundance of branches depicts the acknowledgement of God’s willingness to graft in the Gentiles (Romans 11:17).