Gospel in Art: The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed

The Mustard Seed Tree, by James Paterson, 1957 © Image courtesy of the artist, a.r.r. James Paterson

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 28 July 2025
Matthew 13:31-35

At that time: Jesus put another parable before the crowd, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.'

He told them another parable. 'The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.'

All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet: 'I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.'

Reflection on the painting

Yesterday we briefly reflected on how Jesus uses images to convey his teachings in simple, accessible ways. Today He offers us two more images to help us grasp the hidden power of God's kingdom: the mustard seed and the yeast. The mustard seed, though tiny, grows into a large tree where birds come and rest, reminding us that even the smallest act of faith or love can grow into something immense and life-giving. The yeast, invisible once mixed into the dough, quietly transforms the whole batch, just as God's grace works silently and steadily within us and in the world, bringing about real change from the inside out. These images remind us that the kingdom of God often begins small, unnoticed, but carries within it a transformative, unstoppable power... if only we allow it to take root in us.

It is very likely that Jesus spoke these two parables as a way of encouraging His disciples. The coming of God's kingdom through His ministry may not have been unfolding with the speed or force they had hoped for. In fact, as time went on, Jesus faced increasing resistance, particularly from those in positions of authority. Against this backdrop of growing opposition, Jesus offers reassurance: though the beginnings may seem small and unimpressive, the outcome is certain! The mustard seed has been planted, and though tiny, it will grow into something vast. The yeast, invisible in the dough, will eventually transform the entire batch.

These images would have strengthened the first disciples, and they still speak powerfully to us today. In a time when the Church may seem diminished, or when our efforts as followers of Christ feel unnoticed or ineffective, we can take heart. God's grace is at work, often quietly, often slowly, but always powerfully. The Spirit has been released into the world, and its impact is assured. There is no place for apathy, but neither is there cause for despair.

Our charming painting by Canadian artist James Patterson, shows the full potential of the tiny mustard seed, having now from into a blossoming trees, housing the most beautiful creatures of God's creation.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-13-31-35-2025/

Latest Video - The Face of Christ: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/52811