Monday: 17^th Week in Ordinary Time-C

Gospel: Matthew 13:31-35: A mustard seed becomes a tree so that the birds of the air shelter in its branches.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed:

The Growth and Greatness of Christianity, Mt 13:31-32

Jesus is describing  the growth and greatness of His kingdom and of Christianity in this parable. He shows how it begins as the smallest of seeds and grows into the greatest of movements. The message of the parable is a powerful message to individual believers and congregations as well as to Christianity as a whole. The seed of faith begins ever so small, but it grows into the greatest of bushes as it nourishes itself day by day. Mature (grown v.32) believers and congregations alike provide lodging for the people of a turbulent world.

1. The parable: Describes the kingdom (Christianity) (v.31)

2. A mustard seed was planted (v.31)

a. A man deliberately took and planted the seed

b. Planted in his field

3. The mustard seed grew and became the greatest of bushes (v.32)

a. Was the smallest seed

b. Grew into the greatest of bushes

c. Result: Birds come and lodge in its branches

The Parable of the  Leaven or Yeast:

The Transforming Power of the Gospel, Mt 13: 33

There are essentially two interpretations of this parable.

1. Some say the leaven represents evil that penetrates the kingdom of God and His church.

2. Most say the yeast symbolizes the kingdom of God that penetrates and works silently to transform people and society.

The Messiah’s Purpose for Speaking in Parables, Mt 13:34-35

See outline and notes-Mt 13:10-17 for a full discussion of the “Messiah’s Reasons for speaking in Parables.” The secret  of the  gospel must be revealed (v.34-35). See Eph 1:9-10.

1. To reach the crowd

2. To teach “these things” the Truth

3. To fulfil scripture

4. To reveal the mystery of the Gospel

Thought: The Gospel is extremely powerful (1Cor 5:6; Gal 5:9).

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