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Explanation for:
Matthew
13
:
32
Which is the least indeed of all seeds; but when it is grown up, it is greater than all herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come, and dwell in the branches thereof.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Let the reader not be troubled by our presentation of the parables in their full context; for the enigmatic requires deeper elucidation, as an overly concise approach may inadvertently suggest a meaning far greater than intended. The kingdom of heaven represents the proclamation of the gospel and the comprehension of the Scriptures, which lead to eternal life. Additionally, it relates to the statement made to the Jews, 'The kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and given to a nation yielding the fruits thereof.' This particular kingdom is compared to a mustard seed, which a man takes and plants in his field. Many interpret the sower in this story as the Savior, who sows His word into the hearts of believers. Others view the sower as an individual cultivating his inner self and heart. This sower is none other than our spirit, which, upon receiving the seed of the gospel message and nurturing it with the moisture of faith, enables it to flourish within the depths of the soul. \\n\\nThe teaching of the Gospel is the most concise of all teachings. At first glance, it might seem inadequate to instill confidence in its truth, as it proclaims that God became man and that He died, while also addressing the trials of all through the cross. When comparing this doctrine to those of philosophers with their eloquent writings, polished rhetoric, and captivating expressions, one could easily perceive the gospel as lesser in stature. Yet, while those philosophical teachings may seem impressive, they ultimately fail to provide anything vibrant or nurturing; instead, they produce mere fleeting thoughts that wither away. In contrast, the gospel preaching, which initially appears modest, when sown—whether in the believer's heart or throughout the world—transforms into a mighty tree, providing shelter for the birds of the air, which symbolize either the souls of believers or the divine beings dedicated to God's service as they find refuge in its branches. \\n\\nThe branches of this gospel tree, growing from the mustard seed, should be interpreted as the various teachings upon which the aforementioned birds alight. Let us also embrace the wings of the dove, so that we might ascend spiritually and reside within the shade of this tree, constructing our nests of doctrine while turning away from earthly concerns and reaching towards heavenly aspirations. Reflecting on the mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, and the disciples' plea in the Gospel, 'Lord, increase our faith,' along with the Savior's response, ‘If ye had faith like a mustard seed, you could say to this fig tree: Be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it would obey you,’ many assume that the Apostles were requesting a small measure of faith, or that the Lord was unsure of their meager faith. However, it is well known that the Apostle Paul regarded faith, when likened to a mustard seed, as immensely valuable. Indeed, he stated, ‘If I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.’ Therefore, what the Lord describes as the power of faith, akin to a mustard seed, aligns with the Apostle’s teachings that true faith is to be embraced wholly."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Israel, akin to one ailing, received the proclamations of the prophets like scattered seeds. Yet, already residing among the branches of the tree that ascended from the ground are the heavenly birds. These represent the apostles, extended by the might of Christ, providing shade to the world with their branches, upon which the Gentiles find hope for life. They seem to rest upon the branches of the tree even as they are pushed by the turbulent winds, symbolizing the spirit and breath of evil."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The kingdom of heaven can be likened to a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds. This highlights the humble beginnings of the message, as expressed in the words ‘Fear not, little flock!’ (Lk. 12:32). When it flourishes, it becomes a large tree, surpassing all other seeds, for the gospel has spread to every corner of the earth. As it is written, ‘Into all the earth’ has gone the sound of their message (cf. Ps. 18:5). The birds of the air find shelter in its branches, symbolizing how the weary Gentiles discover solace through faith. 'Come to Me, all you who are burdened’ (Matt. 11:28), He calls to them. \\n\\nHad the Lord not been born of the Virgin and had He not suffered, one might have likened His soul to a bird descending from heaven, suggesting His body appeared from above as well. However, in a demonstration of His true humanity, He likened His soul (Himself) to a mustard seed, which is planted in the ground and eventually takes root, where the bird finds its rest. John the Baptist affirms this, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit in the bodily likeness of a dove descending and resting on Him’ (cf. Jn. 1:32). Just as the mustard seed takes root and grows into a tree that provides a refuge for the birds, so too did the soul of Christ receive His body from the Virgin, upon which the Holy Spirit descended during His baptism."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Through this, the Lord intended to demonstrate how preaching would propagate. He states that the dissemination of the Gospel will unfold in a similar manner. Despite the fact that His followers appeared weak and humiliated, the tremendous power within them enabled it to extend across the entire cosmos."},{"author-name":"Isaiah the Hermit","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d84ba9f49624b317355_Isaiah%20the%20Hermit.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The word regarding the mustard seed contains profound mystery, as the church fathers have noted, prompting us to explore its meaning based on the written account: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all seeds; but when it has grown, it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches” (Matthew 13:31-32). This illustrates the mustard seed and its remarkable attributes. The Lord, through this parable, aims for humanity to emulate Him in all His teachings. By calling it “the smallest of all seeds,” He encourages us towards humility, urging us to regard ourselves as lesser than others. This reflects the potential for perfection through growth, reminding us of gentleness and patience. Its fiery hue symbolizes purity, urging us to remain unblemished in body. The bitterness within signifies a disdain for worldly passions, for it becomes distasteful to those who are attached to worldly desires. The pleasant flavor it offers is only revealed through the act of chewing and grinding, an analogy for enduring hardship and the trials of the flesh. When ground, it can irritate the eyes, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced in righteous endeavors. This mustard is also used for treating dead members, preventing decay. Let us grasp its significance and emulate its qualities, anointing our frail parts to preserve them and to prevent decay. To embody Christ, we must strive, as best we can, to align ourselves with His likeness, assessing whether we possess the attributes of the mustard seed—its humility, its refinement, its bitterness, and its flavor. It is, however, through God's mercy that we are empowered to fulfill this calling, in accordance with His will. Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Why do those who speak irreverently invite the judgment of the Lord upon themselves? Why do those who revere God provoke the flames of Gehenna? They claim: God is unaware of the final day of the age. Indeed, He may not have revealed it, but He chose not to respond to foolish inquiries. Can the Creator of all time truly be ignorant of the hour or the day? All the treasures of wisdom are hidden in Him (Colossians 2:3). It is not unusual for the uninformed to predict the signs and dreadful events of the last day, describing them in terms similar to those of today. Rather, as I mentioned, He has not provided a definitive answer to this earthly question. Tell me, what benefit is there in knowing the day of the end? It is beneficial for us to remain unaware of it so that we may treat each day as if it were the final one, remaining vigilant and expectant for our Lord."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Although they may appear to be few, their influence encompasses the entire cosmos, allowing the birds of the air, representing those with elevated thoughts and insights, to find their abode upon them. Therefore, strive to be like a mustard seed, seemingly insignificant (for true virtue does not seek praise), yet filled with warmth, zeal, fervor, and a spirit of righteous condemnation. In this way, you will surpass the frail and imperfect, becoming perfected yourself, so that the heavenly birds, or angels, will find their rest upon you as you live an angelic existence. Indeed, the angels also rejoice in the presence of the righteous."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"As it develops, it surpasses all other herbs... The term ‘Ego,’ referring to the seed, is minimal in quantity yet maximal in quality or potency; consequently, it significantly increases in size. Similarly, the disciples, initially a small group, grew into an innumerable assembly. There stands a tree, allowing the birds of the air to come and nest in its branches... This serves as evidence of its vastness and strength. Some interpret the branches as the faithful, representing believers in whom heavenly beings, or angels, reside as protectors. Others suggest that the branches symbolize the virtues typically cultivated by the doctrine of faith; the birds represent those who transcend worldly concerns, soaring with the wings of intellect toward the heights of understanding and aspiring to the heavens."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The kingdom is akin to a mustard seed and leaven. The tiny mustard seed expands into a large shrub, while the leaven infiltrates the entire batch of dough, causing it to rise. This presents two images: on one hand, it symbolizes the Church, which began with just the apostles and a few others and eventually flourished, encompassing all of humanity; on the other hand, it represents the spiritual journey unfolding within each individual. The initial seed is the commitment and resolve to be saved through faith that pleases God in the Lord and Savior. This determination, though powerful, resembles a small point at first. In the beginning, it only engages the mind and personal effort, but from this foundation, the entire spiritual life emerges. It grows in vigor and strength, and as it relates to the soul, it starts to permeate every aspect of it—affecting the intellect, will, emotions—and fills them with its essence, infusing the complete nature of humanity: body, soul, and spirit, from which it arises."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Although it is the tiniest of all seeds, the size of its seed is remarkably small when compared to the plant it becomes; yet, when it matures, it surpasses all grains and grows into a tree, providing shelter for the birds of the air in its branches. In the hot regions like Judea, the mustard tree can reach heights unimaginable to us: a man on horseback can ride beneath its limbs, large ovens are fueled by its branches, and flocks of birds perch upon it without the branches breaking, even under the weight of a person. The seeds of this plant were regarded for their medicinal properties, making the plant widely recognized. The mustard seed is so minuscule that the Hebrews had a saying: ‘Small as a mustard seed.’ When teaching through parables, the Lord expressed Himself in a straightforward and relatable manner. He embodies both the mustard seed and the Sower. In Him, as in that tiny seed, the entire Church originally existed; it has since expanded from Him; today, it draws its life solely from Him; He is the singular, eternal Head of the Church, and without Him, there would be no Church. Likewise, He is the Sower, who willingly submitted to death, thereby granting life to His Church for all who believe in Him. He proclaimed, ‘If a grain of wheat falls into the ground and does not die, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit (John 12:24).’ In the sight of humanity, He was indeed a mere grain: born in the remote and humble land of Judea, spending thirty years in the obscurity of Nazareth, in the lowly surroundings of a carpenter's household; He attracted a handful of disciples, simple fishermen and tax collectors, through His teachings. Ultimately, He surrendered to His enemies and was crucified as a criminal. Yet, behold, He rose again, ascended to the Father, and His Church flourished throughout the entire earth like a magnificent tree. The ancient prophecy spoke of Him: ‘and He shall let forth branches, and bear fruit, and shall become a majestic cedar, and all kinds of birds shall dwell under it (Ezekiel 17:23).’ Clement of Alexandria compared the influence of the Gospel to a mustard seed, stating that ‘it grieves the soul with benefit to us.’ The commands of Christ may seem harsh and unwelcome to our sinful nature, but when we choose to obey them, they become healing and redemptive, renewing and transforming our hearts. Just as a mustard seed generates warmth, so too does the gracious word of God, filling our hearts with warmth. Two of Christ's disciples, Luke and Cleopas, experienced such warmth on the road to Emmaus, exclaiming, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He spoke to us on the road (Luke 24:32)?’ Mustard seeds provoke a desire to eat; similarly, the word of God ignites a longing for salvation and justification in Christ the Savior. In yet another parable, the Lord elucidates this transformative impact of His teachings on our hearts in even greater detail."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The mustard seed we refer to in this context is significantly distinct from what is commonly recognized by that name. In our region, it is an annual crop, relatively small, and associated with grains. Conversely, in the East and Palestine, it grows to the stature of substantial trees and bears fruit only a few years after the seed is sown. It can be climbed like a fig tree, providing shelter for birds of the air. However, the seed from which such a large tree arises is exceedingly tiny, prompting the Jews to use the mustard seed as a metaphor for something diminutive (cf. Mt 17:20, Mk 4:31, Lk 13:19, Lk 17:6). Through this parable, the Lord intended to illustrate the means by which the gospel message would proliferate. Although His disciples were initially the least powerful and most humiliated, the latent strength within them was remarkable, allowing the message to reach all corners of the earth (Chrysostom, cf. Theophilus). The Church of Christ began as a small and seemingly insignificant presence, yet it expanded worldwide, providing refuge for many nations, much like the birds finding shelter among the branches of the mustard tree. Similarly, the kingdom of God operates within each individual’s soul; the gentle gust of God’s grace, initially subtle to human perception, gradually envelops the soul, transforming it into a temple of God and a vessel of various virtues."}]}
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