The Trust of Every Mustard Seed
According to GOD’s Word, He said, "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for eating" --Genesis 1:29
This statement emphasizes GOD's Authority, and the Power of His Word are what we are to live by to rule and reign and have the dominion [subdue to tread down] that which He determines.
One method of Instructional Guidance He used was the seed of a mustard plant. The “wild mustard plant”.
Seeds and their growth involve the following key points:
Most plants produce seeds which grow into new plants.
Different types of plants can grow from different types of seeds, including trees, fruit, and vegetables.
The first stage of growth from a seed is when a root grows downwards and a shoot grows upwards.
Seeds can be observed growing into mature plants.
Germination is the process by which a seed transforms into a new plant.
A CURIOUS SITUATION: Seed Germination is not only a natural process, but this spring ritual is also an act of faith. We have faith that even though we can’t see the seeds germinating under the soil, we know something is happening. We know that plants develop their roots systems first before they break the surface.
We know that germination takes time.
We also trust that after the phase is complete, we will begin to see the plants shoot above the soil and continue to flourish.
Why is it so easy to have faith in GOD’s (nature’s) unseen plant seed germination process – yet so difficult to have faith in other situations for others and ourselves?
17 “…O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain [His time on earth was drawing to a close. When will they/we ‘get it’? He must die at a certain time and on a specific day] with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.” 18 Then Jesus rebuked [yakach" which means to judge, prove or convict. It refers to exposing error or fault in order to bring correction] the demon [shayd-evil or malignant spirit], and it came out of the boy, and he was healed [restored or made whole] from that moment. 19 Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20 “Because you have so little faith [trust in Who the Father is in Me and in you],” He answered, …for truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” --Mattew 17:17-20
Israel is and was an agrarian nation. That means, they were all about the land. …all about the farming, cattle, etc. It makes sense that Yeshua’s Teachings (being from His Father) often alluded to this culture. …His culture. “…His Father’s occupation.”
Why did He use a seed, let alone the “mustard seed” of all objects for this lesson? How does this earth dependent item help us to support people to be free of the things that have every intention to control, or harm them?
Let’s dig in!
NOTE: Mustard plants, grow wild and are cultivated in Israel, thriving particularly in the richer soils of the Jordan Valley. Sinapsis Arvensis, also known as wild mustard, is a common yellow flower species found in Israel. It grows abundantly in fields, along roadsides, and even in abandoned building sites.
Despite its small size, the wild mustard flower creates a stunning sight when its yellow blooms cover the landscape.
NOTE: Mustard seeds were among the smallest seeds cultivated in Biblical times. We have often heard, “they can grow into large plants, sometimes exceeding 10 feet in height.” This growth is often referenced in Biblical parables.
These aspects highlight the importance of mustard seeds in both the agricultural practices and cultural narratives of Israel.
The initial struggle for “the (12)” and for us is that someone we encounter may have a problem that needs help breaking free from. We, being servants of the Son of GOD, are there to assist. As you have read, these talmidim (disciples) struggled with helping with “this” particular adversarial malignancy.
Consider that even in our own struggles, exercising our “trust roots” is what will enable us to endure and to survive in the arid (dry and waterless) times. The Wild Mustard Plant grows abundantly in fields, along roadsides, and even in abandoned building sites. <understand this> Despite its small size, the wild mustard flower creates a stunning sight when its yellow blooms cover the landscape.
It does not have to be planted. It just shows up. When it pops up, it spreads and becomes great in abundance. Just like the amount of faith we were given, it was intended for it to grow in any place and any situation.
It was planted in us all, but we are required to cultivate it so it can become a rather large and beautiful plant.
NOTE: Here is another interesting fact, “the longest unseen part of any plant (weed or otherwise) is the ‘Taproot System’. These particular roots of the wild mustard plant consist of a rather distinctive taproot system that anchors the plant in the soil and provides stability and support. Its ‘Lateral Roots’ extend from the taproot to absorb nutrients and water.
Additionally, wild mustard roots break up hard-packed soil, improving soil structure and allowing for better air and water flow to other plant roots.
If you consider the importance of the talmidim of the LORD, the faith we are suppose to have is there to be used to not only help another to be liberated from “what binds them”, but also to assist them with the support so they can get the Biblical Nutrients of the Word of GOD, from the moisture (life Source) that comes from the Water of the Word.
Seed growth, also known as germination, is the process where a seed develops into a seedling. This involves a series of biochemical changes and physiological processes that allow the embryonic plant within the seed to emerge and begin its life.
NOTE: Mustard plants thrived in the arid landscapes of ancient Israel as a resilient and versatile crop, known for its rapid growth and adaptability. The plant was a valuable resource for the agrarian society of the time. The flowers usually grow to about waist-high but, they have been seen to have touched shoulders of grown men.
The seeds of the wild mustard plant are STILL used for various purposes:
Edible semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed.
It is used for making soap and burns well for lighting.
A type of oil can be extracted from the seed for lubricating machinery.
Wild mustard plants have 10-18 seeds per pod and 2,000-3,500 seeds per plant.
The seedpod is about 2/3" long and tapers into a short beak.
The seeds are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
They contain a compound called sinigrin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
I SEE: A cool point for the faith-filled body of Messiah is, it continues to grow by faith alone. The grafted in body, or species, is called the “the Wild Olive Branch”. It refers to the joining in of Gentiles into GOD's promises that He gave to the Hebrew people, Israel.
We ARE those grafted-in wild olive branch folk. …ONLY by faith. We have been spliced into the Olive Tree that has the Root System that has the enormous Tap Root.
Much like the wild mustard seed, it/we grow by persistence and through trusting the Master to provide for it in every type of weather it is in. It (mustard seed) is a seed that continues to produce and flourish (by faith). As I mentioned earlier, “The Taproot System breaks up hard soil and make it possible for the water to get to the other plants the wild mustard plant is near.”
In Hebrew, the concept of "measure of faith" (as used in Romans 12:3) is best understood through the lens of divine endowment and stewardship. It's not about a quantifiable amount of belief, but rather the specific portion of faith that GOD gives to each human to fulfill their particular role within the body of Christ. This "measure" relates to the individual's gifting and calling, enabling them to exercise their spiritual gifts responsibly and effectively.
REMINDER: This tiny yellow flower that grows in masses on a rather large bush in fields, along roadsides and abandoned building sites, only exists because of the determination of the seed. Up close the wild mustard flower does not look like much - a bit on the puny side actually. Anyone who comes across a field filled with vibrant and sturdy plant will be captivated. To think… This huge growth of faith all started from a tiny seed that beneath the ground (unseen) is doing wondrous things, but above the ground in maturing, can obscure the view of the passerby.
The persistent faith of the wild mustard seed can be measured by the ability to spread it beauty wherever it spreads, blooms and blossoms.
Individual Function:
This "measure of faith" is tied to the individual's function within the body of Christ, enabling them to fulfill their calling with sober judgment.
The Hebrew Word "Midah" signifies measure and can be related to dividing or apportioning something.
Faith being trust in action, it cannot be seen any less form than a commitment (ours) that will lead to obedience and practical living.
When Jusus declared that the (12) “had little emunah”, by definition (contextually), He was saying, each of you forgot to find your "security" in Me. You did not remember that I and My Father are your “Support”, so be "firm" in your stand against that which is against you and your neighbor. We are the Strength you will need to overcome obstacles.
READER: All of us who declare that the Father is our Source and the Lord is our Strength and the Spirit is our Helper, we must always be focused on all of Them for our Stability and Reliability. The mustard seed is.
We faithful ones are supposed to function as sheltering shrubs (mustard branches).
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law [of death and flesh]; but thanks be to GOD, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” --1 Corinthians 15:56-58