The Mustard Seed
The kingdom of heaven is like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree where birds can nest. Great things start small.
Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19
Take the Matthew 13 Quiz
Test your knowledge of this chapter
Explore Matthew Chapters
Study all chapters of Matthew
The Story
Jesus told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.'
The mustard seed was proverbially the smallest seed known to Jewish farmers of that time. Yet from this tiny beginning, a plant could grow ten to twelve feet tall—large enough for birds to nest in its branches.
Jesus was speaking to a small group of followers in an obscure corner of the Roman Empire. The religious establishment rejected Him. The world took no notice. Yet this tiny beginning would grow into something that would reshape human history.
The parable encourages those who feel their work for God is small and insignificant. A Sunday school teacher faithfully teaching children. A parent modeling faith at home. A believer sharing the gospel with one person. These may seem like mustard seeds—but God grows them into something beyond imagination.
Do not despise the day of small beginnings. The kingdom of God starts tiny but becomes a shelter for many.
The Tiny Seed
Kids Version
Jesus told a story about a tiny seed:
'The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. It's one of the SMALLEST seeds there is. You can barely see it!
But when you plant it in the ground, it grows and grows and GROWS! It becomes one of the BIGGEST plants in the garden—so big that birds can build nests in its branches!'
What was Jesus teaching?
When Jesus started His ministry, He just had a few followers. Twelve guys! That's like a tiny seed.
But look what happened! That tiny group grew and grew. Now there are BILLIONS of Christians all around the world! The small seed became a HUGE tree!
This parable is also about YOU. Maybe you feel small. Maybe you think you can't do much for God. You're just a kid! What difference can you make?
But remember the mustard seed! When you do something kind, when you tell someone about Jesus, when you pray—those are like tiny seeds.
God can take your small act of faith and grow it into something HUGE!
Never think you're too small to matter. God loves using small things to do BIG stuff! Just plant your little seed of faith, and watch what God does!
Ready to test your knowledge?
See how well you know this story from Matthew.
Characters in This Story
Settings & Locations
Scripture — Matthew 13:31-32 (KJV)
31Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
32Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
Memory Verse
“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:”
— Matthew 13:31 (KJV)
Test Your Knowledge
How well do you know the story of “The Mustard Seed”? Take the quiz to find out.
More from Parables of Jesus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “The Mustard Seed” in the Bible?
The kingdom of heaven is like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree where birds can nest. Great things start small. This story is found in Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19.
Where is “The Mustard Seed” found in the Bible?
“The Mustard Seed” is found in Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19, in the book of Matthew.
What can children learn from “The Mustard Seed”?
This story teaches children about Kingdom growth, Small beginnings, Faith, God's power. Jesus said God's kingdom is like a tiny mustard seed. It starts SO small, but it grows into a HUGE tree! Big things can start small!