He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus poses these questions, not just to introduce his parables, but to highlight how utterly unpredictable and unconventional the Kingdom of God truly is, defying all human expectations of what a divine kingdom should look or act like. It’s an invitation to shift our perspective from the visible, small beginnings to the powerful, unseen growth to come.
He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus had just faced criticism for healing someone on the Sabbath, and the people rejoiced while his accusers were put to shame. This moment prompts Jesus to teach about the true nature and future expansion of God's kingdom, using parables to illustrate its surprising growth from seemingly insignificant beginnings. He asks what comparison best captures this divine realm, setting the stage for the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven.
Why did Jesus so often speak in parables? Was it to make things simpler, or more mysterious?
Jesus frequently used parables to teach about the Kingdom of God. This wasn't just a stylistic choice; it was a deliberate method for communicating profound truths.
How can something as small as a tiny seed or a pinch of yeast transform the world?
The parables of the mustard seed and leaven, introduced by Jesus's question in Luke 13:18, powerfully illustrate the nature of God's kingdom.
Ask a follow-up
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.
The parables of the mustard seed and leaven, spoken just before Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, were meant to encourage his followers. They highlight that the Kingdom of God, though starting small and seemingly insignificant, would grow to become immense and transformational, despite the opposition and humble beginnings.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. His message of the Kingdom of God begins to spread.
c. AD 28-29— this verse
Healing on the Sabbath
Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years on the Sabbath, sparking controversy with religious leaders. This event immediately precedes the parables.
c. AD 28-29
Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus is resolutely heading towards Jerusalem for his final Passover, knowing his crucifixion awaits him there. This journey is the backdrop for much of Luke's later teachings.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises again on the third day, fulfilling his mission and inaugurating the full power of God's kingdom.
c. AD 30s
The Early Church Spreads
Following Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles, and the Gospel message begins to spread rapidly from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
This passage presents the same parable of the mustard seed, directly linking the question of Jesus to its iconic answer and illustrating the growth of the Kingdom from humble beginnings.
Mark 4:30-32Similar to Matthew, Mark also records the mustard seed parable immediately after Jesus poses a question about how to describe the Kingdom of God, emphasizing its surprising growth.
Luke 13:19This verse provides the immediate answer to Jesus' question in Luke 13:18, directly applying the mustard seed parable to illustrate the nature of God's Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 1:28This passage speaks to God's choice of the 'ignoble and despised' to show His power, echoing the theme of the Kingdom starting small and seemingly insignificant, as highlighted by the mustard seed parable.
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 poses these questions, not just to introduce his parables, but to highlight how utterly unpredictable and unconventional the Kingdom of God truly is, defying all human expectations of what a divine kingdom should look or act like. It’s an invitation to shift our perspective from the visible, small beginnings to the powerful, unseen growth to come.
Jesus had just faced criticism for healing someone on the Sabbath, and the people rejoiced while his accusers were put to shame. This moment prompts Jesus to teach about the true nature and future expansion of God's kingdom, using parables to illustrate its surprising growth from seemingly insignificant beginnings. He asks what comparison best captures this divine realm, setting the stage for the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven.
Jesus had just faced criticism for healing someone on the Sabbath, and the people rejoiced while his accusers were put to shame. This moment prompts Jesus to teach about the true nature and future expansion of God's kingdom, using parables to illustrate its surprising growth from seemingly insignificant beginnings. He asks what comparison best captures this divine realm, setting the stage for the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven.
"He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?" — Jesus poses these questions, not just to introduce his parables, but to highlight how utterly unpredictable and unconventional the Kingdom of God truly is, defying all human expectations of what…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026