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Ian Grant Spong
Ian Grant Spong's blog
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Criticizing Jesus' Words
4 stars|6 comments|June 23, 2009|117 reads
 
Do we hastily misjudge others' words? Some criticize the parable in Mark 4:30-32. Jesus called a mustard seed the smallest of all seeds, which is scientifically inaccurate. There are smaller seeds. But, that's not the point. Jesus was not speaking precisely, but conversationally and symbolically. Many discussions use a great deal of poetic license and are not meant to be rigid, scientific descriptions. We say a similar thing today. "He is the tiniest baby," means conversationally very small. It is not meant to be information from statistical research.

In ancient times a mustard seed symbolized something small. This parable begins with a very small seed which becomes one of the larger common garden shrubs in the Middle East, the mustard plant. The emphasis is on the incredible growth experienced by the kingdom of God. God's rule is like a very small seed becoming a very large plant. That's what Jesus said.

 
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Craig
 Craig
June 23, 2009
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Prentiss United Methodist Church
 Prentiss United Methodist Church
June 23, 2009
yes Grant how God can easily take the things the world overlooks and see Potental most miss...great Blog..Ly In Christ my brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PC
Gene Downs
 Gene Downs
June 23, 2009

Concur.  The bible is not intended to teach us science.  It is intended to teach us who God is, who we are, and the nature of our relationships.  Anything beyond that is to send people down rabbit trails and distract them from the Truth of God's Written Word.


Gene

Teral McDowell
 Teral McDowell
June 23, 2009
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Well-said, Grant, I think you chose a wonderful illustration to make that point tool
Mike n Laura
 Mike n Laura
June 23, 2009
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Joyful Servant
 Joyful Servant
June 23, 2009
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