Mark 4:31
It’s like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth,
One Unity Resource Bible
In The King James Version
In Context
30He said, “How will we liken God’s Kingdom? Or with what parable will we illustrate it?
Cross References
Psalms 72:16+ 72:16. MP: Corn referring to the kernel seed that starts small and grows to multiple abundance as the grass, likewise are Messiah and his disciples multiplying (according to R. Obadiah Gaon). Growing outside the city, in the land beyond borders, referencing a mixed group of Jew and non-Jew. By comparing this crop to “Lebanon,” it describes the quality of the produce grown. (John 12:24, 15:16; Heb 13:12) There shall be an abundance of corn throughout the land. 2 Its fruit sways like Lebanon. 2 + 72:16 b MP: This field must be outside the city walls, Talmud states the city referred to is Jerusalem because God cares for her specifically. Therefore the disciples growth and multiplication requires being sown outside Jerusalem among the nations (Bab. Talmud: Kethuboth Folio 111B ref. 29). (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8) Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field outside the city. 1
Isaiah 9:7+ 9:7. MP: Messiah son of David establishes a kingdom and rule that is over all and establishes righteousness and justice in accordance with Adonai, God of heaven’s Armies. (Also see Is 16:5; Dan 2:44). (Luke 1:32-33, 17:20-21; Eph 1:21) Note: In the Blessing of Aaron (Num 6:26), “God will give you peace,” this is called the peace of the Kingdom of David. (See also Is 16:5). + 9:7. MPr: The promise of peace in the Aaronic Blessing (Num 6:26) is referred to as the peace of the Kingdom of David. Linked to (Is 9:7), “of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” (Is 9:7 in Siphré on Numbers Parashah 42: Num 30:1-32:42). (John 14:27; Rev 21:22-27, 22:1-5) The increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, + 9:7 (+6a) MP: Messiah comes to bear the responsibility as the prophesied heir who establishes the everlasting kingdom as the heir to the throne of David. (Luke 1:32) on David [Beloved]’s throne, and on his kingdom, + 9:7. Quoted in Luke 1:32-33 to establish it, and to uphold it with mishpat ·justice· and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. + 9:7. Quoted in John 12:34 The zeal of Adonai Tzva'ot [Yahweh Commander of heaven’s armies] will perform this.
Isaiah 53:2+ 53:2 a MP: Messiah will grow up in “dry ground,” an idiom for “a poor family”. Luke 2:7 identifies the poorest offering after childbirth being used (Lev 12:6-8). (See also Is 11:1b – Jesse’s tree was cut off at the trunk— not thriving family). (Consider illusion in Is 11:1). (Luke 2:7, 2:22, 2:24) For he grew up before him as a tender plant, 2 and as a root out of dry ground. 1 + 53:2 b MP: Messiah appears like an ordinary man. His betrayer identified Messiah in the garden by kissing him, because Messiah was not comely or handsome in appearance. (Matt 26:48-49; Phil 2:7) He has no good looks or majesty. 2 When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 1
Isaiah 60:22The little one will become a thousand, 2 and the small one a strong nation. 2 I, Adonai, will do this quickly in its time.”
Matthew Henry on Mark 4:22-35
The Gradual Advance of the Gospel. 21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. 23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. 24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. 25 For he that hath, to him shall be… Read the whole commentary →