Luke 13:18
He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus asks these questions not because he doesn't know the answer, but to draw his listeners into the mystery of His Kingdom. He's prompting them to consider how something so seemingly insignificant in its beginnings could hold such immense power and scope. This isn't just a teaching moment; it's an invitation to ponder the hidden, transformative nature of God's reign.
Jesus had just faced criticism from religious leaders for healing someone on the Sabbath, but the people rejoiced at His mercy. This contrast between His enemies' shame and the people's joy prompts Jesus to describe the nature of His kingdom through parables, explaining how it will grow from seemingly insignificant beginnings into something vast and powerful. He then poses the questions, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?" setting up the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven.
Jesus is about to describe something world-changing, but He starts by asking about its size. Why the focus on humble beginnings?
In Luke 13:18, Jesus poses a question: "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?" This isn't just a rhetorical question; it sets the stage for a powerful revelation. He's about to use parables – the mustard seed and the leaven – to illustrate His kingdom.
Jesus uses everyday examples like seeds and dough. What do these ordinary things reveal about God's extraordinary kingdom?
Jesus' parables in Luke 13:18-21 aren't just about size; they're about the nature of the kingdom's growth. The parables of the mustard seed and leaven show us two key aspects:
Understand the original words
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun Phrase
The sovereign rule, reign, or realm of God. It represents the manifestation of God's power and authority on earth, inaugurated by the ministry of Jesus and culminating in the future consummation of His kingdom.
These parables, spoken during Jesus' ministry, directly address the contrast between the humble, almost imperceptible beginnings of his kingdom and its eventual, world-transforming expansion, offering encouragement to his followers amidst opposition and doubt.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. His ministry causes a stir, attracting crowds but also drawing opposition from religious authorities.
c. AD 30— this verse
Healing on the Sabbath
Jesus heals a woman who had been bound by a spirit for eighteen years on the Sabbath, leading to shame among his opponents and rejoicing among the people.
c. AD 30
Parables of Growth
In response to the events and opposition, Jesus teaches parables about the mustard seed and leaven to illustrate the nature and future growth of God's kingdom.
c. AD 30-33
Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus begins his final journey toward Jerusalem, a period marked by further teaching and preparation for his impending suffering and resurrection.
This passage records the same parable of the mustard seed, highlighting the contrast between the kingdom's small beginnings and its vast future growth.
Mark 4:30-32Mark also presents the mustard seed parable, emphasizing how the Kingdom of God grows from a tiny seed into a large plant, offering shelter.
Luke 13:19This verse immediately follows, providing the first answer to Jesus' question with the parable of the mustard seed, illustrating the outward expansion of God's kingdom.
Luke 13:20-21These verses offer the parable of the leaven, another comparison for the kingdom, which illustrates its pervasive, internal influence and transformation.
barnesLuke 13:18: "Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?"
See these parables explained in the notes at Matthew 13:31-32 .
calvinLuke 13:18-22: "Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?"
- He delivered another parable to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard, which a man took and sowed in his field: 32. Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown up, it is the largest among herbs, [220] and becometh a tree, so that the fowls of heaven come and make their nests among its branches. 33. He spake another parable to them: The kingdom of…
Jesus asks these questions not because he doesn't know the answer, but to draw his listeners into the mystery of His Kingdom. He's prompting them to consider how something so seemingly insignificant in its beginnings could hold such immense power and scope. This isn't just a teaching moment; it's an invitation to ponder the hidden, transformative nature of God's reign.
Jesus had just faced criticism from religious leaders for healing someone on the Sabbath, but the people rejoiced at His mercy. This contrast between His enemies' shame and the people's joy prompts Jesus to describe the nature of His kingdom through parables, explaining how it will grow from seemingly insignificant beginnings into something vast and powerful. He then poses the questions, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?" setting up the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven.
Jesus had just faced criticism from religious leaders for healing someone on the Sabbath, but the people rejoiced at His mercy. This contrast between His enemies' shame and the people's joy prompts Jesus to describe the nature of His kingdom through parables, explaining how it will grow from seemingly insignificant beginnings into something vast and powerful. He then poses the questions, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?" setting up the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven.
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This hidden, yet powerful, growth is a hallmark of God's work in the world.
"He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?" — Jesus asks these questions not because he doesn't know the answer, but to draw his listeners into the mystery of His Kingdom. He's prompting them to consider how something so seemingly insignificant…
