Sharper Iron — The Reign of Heaven Stands Near – Matthew 13:31-35: The Mustard Seed Leavens the Whole Lump

https://kfuo-od.streamguys1.com/recast/sharper-iron/20260731104443-2026-07-31_SI.mp3
Download Audio File

Through two short parables that use the images of a mustard seed and leaven, Jesus makes a similar point. Both a mustard seed and leaven are small and seem insignificant, yet over time, both bring substantial growth. In a similar way, God’s reign as King may seem insignificant right now in the ministry of Jesus, but the Lord promises that His reign will become a home for many people. Jesus’ parables bring about a fulfillment of God’s Word from Psalm 78.

Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:31-35.

To learn more about Memorial Lutheran, visit mlchouston.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.

Matthew 13:31-35

The Mustard Seed and the Leaven

[31] He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. [32] 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.”

[33] 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.”

Prophecy and Parables

[34] All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable. [35] This was to fulfill 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.”