Parables of Jesus – Lesson 7 – The Mustard Seed and Yeast by Michael Bailey
● Why might there be different interpretations of a Bible passage?
Matthew 13:31-33 (NIV) 31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” 33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through thedough.”
Questions to Ponder:
● How would you interpret the parable of the mustard seed? What is the
meaning of the small mustard seed growing into a tree? What do the birds
represent? How would you apply this parable to your life?
● What is the meaning of the parable of the yeast? What might the yeast
working its way through the dough represent? How would you apply this
parable to your life?
● Why might there be different interpretations of a Bible passage? Do you
agree that there is only one single correct interpretation (original intent)?
Why?
● What are the implications of the two different understandings of these parables?
● What is your response when someone interprets a Bible passage differently than
you do? How does that make you feel?
● What should our goal be when reading, interpreting, and applying the Bible? How
do truth, unity, and possibly pride factor in as we relate to fellow believers with
differing interpretations?
Related Verses to Ponder:
● Unity: Psalm 133:1-3, 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, Ephesians 4:1-7
● Division: Proverbs 6:16-19, Matthew 12:25-26, Romans 16:17-18,
1 Corinthians 3:1-4
● The Berean Example: Acts 17:10-12
