8. In Mark's Gospel (with similar passages in Matthew's Gospel and Luke's Gospel), Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven with something small that is planted and grows into a large plant. Which small item is it?
From Quiz What's the Story, Allegory?
Answer:
Mustard seed
"And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it." (Mark 4:30-32)
It is thought that Jesus was referring to black mustard, which has tiny seeds, but grows into a plant that can be as much as nine feet tall. The birds described in the passage may represent the worldwide appeal of Jesus's teachings. It could also describe the tenacity of the Kingdom of Heaven, since mustard rapidly spreads and is hard to remove. Interestingly, a version of this parable also appears in the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas.