More Than a Story
“Small to Great”
Matthew 13:31-33

Small to great

Matthew 13:31-33

This parable is told in all of the synoptic gospels
Matthew 13:31-33, 17:20
Mark 4:30-32
Luke 13:18-19, 17:5-6

Becoming the people that Jesus wants us to be starts small, and over time, we are transformed into His image.

We can’t microwave maturity – it’s a slow roast.
We can’t speed up discipleship – it’s a daily process. 
We can’t skip ahead of sacrifice – it’s a painful progression. 
We won’t wake up with generosity – it’s a constant decision. 

“…as small as a mustard seed…” –Common Jewish phrase

Jews were familiar with the size of the mustard seed since many of them were farmers and had planted it themselves. 
• Jesus built upon that knowledge to explain the kingdom of God. 
• The mustard seed was an analogy, one that took the known and led to the unknown. 
• Building an idea about the spiritual realm on a known physical concept made it easier for his audience to understand. 
• The parable was never meant to be an exposition on botanical size

“…Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” –Matthew 17:20 

Faith
Belief that God exists, and that He loves us
Commitment to trust Him and live by His word 

Jesus is saying …

1. Faith isn’t just for big moments; it’s for daily life
“…a man took and sowed (mustard seed) in his field.” – Matthew 13:31

2. Don’t underestimate small acts of faith, obedience, or sacrifice
“The smallest of all seeds…” –Matthew 13:32

3. Stay faithful even when you don’t see immediate results 
“Yet when it grows…” –Matthew 13:32

4. Your faith, as small as it might be, can bless generations
“It becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch…” –Matthew 13:32
	
5. Great things happen through ordinary people

Where do you need faith today?