BibleTools
Mark 4:30
Compare all
28 For the earth ayields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.  
29 But when the grain ripens, immediately ahe puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”  

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

30 Then He said, a“To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall 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.”

Jesus’ Use of Parables

33 aAnd with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it.  
34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, aHe explained all things to His disciples.  
Commentaries:
Forerunner Commentary
What is the Forerunner Commentary?
<< Mark 4:29   Mark 4:31 >>

What Does Mark 4:30 Mean?



Mark 4:30-32

When Jesus taught parables as prophecies of the course of the church's history until His return, He provided two views of the one subject: specifically, the outward aspect, shown to the multitude of people; and the inward aspect, as revealed to His disciples. He gave the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19) to the mixed multitude to disclose evidence of a specific characteristic of the church compared to the outside world.

The historical development of the church of God would be one of humble beginnings. However, this parable contains more than this important truth. Hidden within it is a warning about the perversion of the church's method of growth and of satanic attacks upon it. This parable is an analogy, and as with all analogies, the symbolism is not exact but similar. Therefore, the symbolism of the Kingdom of God being likened to a mustard seed is not identical, yet it explains a particular aspect of the process that the church goes through in preparing for God's Kingdom.

Martin G. Collins
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Four): The Parable of the Mustard Seed




Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Mark 4:30:

Matthew 13:31-32
Mark 4:30-32
Luke 13:18-19


 
<< Mark 4:29   Mark 4:31 >>

Join 137,305+ readers

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning

Consistent Bible study is hard to start.

The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.

Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.

Close
E-mail This Page