Matthew 13:31-32 - The Parable Of The Mustard Seed

³¹ In another illustration Jesus said: The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man sowed in his field. ³² Mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds. Yet when it grows it becomes as large as a tree. In fact the birds of heaven lodge in the branches.

³⁰ He said: What illustration should we use to picture the kingdom of God? What story will make it clear? ³¹ It is like a grain of mustard seed. When it is planted in the earth it is smaller than all the seeds on the earth. ³² But when it is planted it grows and becomes taller than all the plants. It grows out great branches so that the birds of heaven are able to take rest in its shade.

³³ He spoke the word to them with many illustrations as long as they were able to listen. ³⁴ He spoke only with illustrations. However he made all things clear to his disciples in private.

¹⁸ Jesus continued: To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? What is it like? ¹⁹ It is like this. A man plants a mustard seed in his field. The plant grows and becomes a tree. The birds make their nests in its branches.