The Mustard Seed

Jesus asked the people, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it with?"

"It is like a mustard seed, the smallest seed a farmer plants in his garden. A man took one small seed and planted it in the ground."

No one would have looked twice at that seed. It was as small as a grain of pepper, no bigger than the head of a pin.

But from that tiny seed, a tree began to grow. Up and up it climbed. Its branches spread out wide and strong.

The tree became so large that the birds of the air came from all around. They built nests in its shade. What began small made a home for many.

"This is how God's kingdom grows," Jesus said. "It starts small — a word, a prayer, a faithful heart — and the Lord makes it great."