Can you fly?

The three versions of the mustard seed parable are found in Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:31-32, and Luke 13:19.

The basic elements of these three parables are the same, with the supporting details differing only in the smallest of deviations. The mustard seed was sown in a field, sown in the earth and cast into a garden. The seed is described as the least of all seeds, less than all the seeds that be in the earth, and in Luke, is not described in any fashion.

This seed, which was twice sown and once cast, was the greatest among herbs, becoming a tree in Matthew, while in Mark, it grows to become greater than all herbs, shooting out great branches. In Luke, the seed grew and waxed a great tree. In all the parables, the birds and fowls of the air found lodging in the branches of, and under the shadow of the mustard tree. We may take this to mean that the birds found a temporary home, a place of refreshing, and a platform from which sprang the usual business of employed birds.

Other than the rather generic “sown in the earth”, placing such a tree in a field or garden carries with it a two-fold intent. The purpose of a large tree in a field or garden is not merely one of decoration. During harvest, one may imagine the workers seeking respite from the heat of the day. While the field or garden matures, birds will come down from their roost to eat the parasites that normally plague the fruit.

The birds are employees whose every need is satisfied. In symbolic terms, we may see the church as a mustard seed for the field, and the faithful as gainfully employed. We may also view the mustard tree as the more spiritually capable individual, to which fly all who are in need of direction, instruction, and personal growth. To what might we liken the field or garden? It may sound strange to some, but I envision a field of birds, a garden of birds. They are immature, unable to fly. It is only through the employment of the birds of the air that the birds of the ground may ever arise.