The mustard seed was the smallest seed, but it grew into a huge plant. This is Mark’s third parableA story told by Jesus through which he teaches and illustrates moral lessons and principles. of growth.
In this parable, Jesus teaches that although the Kingdom of GodA society where God rules. In the Kingdom of God death is overcome, diseases are cured and evil spirits are defeated. started small, with Jesus and the disciples, it would grow and spread across the world to unlimited numbers of followers.
The birds represent gentileA person who is not Jewish. people. Jesus is saying that the Kingdom of God will include other nations and not just God’s chosen people, the Jews.
Mark’s Gentile readers would have taken great comfort and hope from this parable.