Do we hastily misjudge others' words? Some criticize the parable in Mark 4:30-32. Jesus called a mustard seed the smallest of all seeds, which is scientifically inaccurate. There are smaller seeds. But, that's not the point. Jesus was not speaking precisely, but conversationally and symbolically. Many discussions use a great deal of poetic license and are not meant to be rigid, scientific descriptions. We say a similar thing today. "He is the tiniest baby," means conversationally very small. It is not meant to be information from statistical research.
In ancient times a mustard seed symbolized something small. This parable begins with a very small seed which becomes one of the larger common garden shrubs in the Middle East, the mustard plant. The emphasis is on the incredible growth experienced by the kingdom of God. God's rule is like a very small seed becoming a very large plant. That's what Jesus said.
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