Section 13:18–21
Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a seed and to yeast
In this section Jesus told two parables that figuratively describe what the kingdom of God is like. The parable about the mustard seed illustrates the way God’s kingdom grows or expands. The parable about the yeast illustrates the powerful influence that God’s kingdom has in human society.
Some other headings for this section are:
Stories About a Mustard Seed and Yeast (God’s Word)
-or-
Two Parables About God’s Rule
There are parallel passages for this section in Matthew 13:31–33 and Mark 4:30–32 (the mustard seed parable only).
Paragraph 13:18–19
13:18a–b
What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it?: Both these questions have basically the same meaning. In Greek, the first question is more literally, “What is the likeness/comparison of the kingdom of God?” The second question is, “To what shall I liken/compare it?” These similar questions draw attention to what Jesus was about to say.
These are both rhetorical questions. Jesus used these rhetorical questions to introduce a new topic, the kingdom of God. He was inviting his listeners to think about that topic. He was not expecting an answer.
Some ways to translate this introduction are:
• As rhetorical questions. For example:
What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? What is it like?
-or-
How shall we describe God’s rule? What’s a good illustration?
• As a statement or statements:
Let me tell you a story that illustrates what the kingdom of God is like.
-or-
I will give you an illustration/comparison about the kingdom of God. This is what it is like.
• As a rhetorical question followed by a statement:
To what shall we compare God’s rule? Here is a story/example we can use to describe it.
Use whatever form is most natural in your language to introduce a new teaching.
13:18a
the kingdom of God: The phrase the kingdom of God refers here to God’s activity of ruling and caring for his people as their king. It does not refer to a land or country that he rules over. It refers to the relationship that he has with his people. He leads, protects, and cares for them. They obey, trust, and submit to him as their king.
Some ways to translate this are:
• As a noun. For example:
God’s rule/reign
-or-
God’s kingship
-or-
God’s chieftaincy
-or-
God’s government
• As a verbal expression:
the way God rules more and more people
This phrase first occurs in Luke in 4:43a. See the notes on 4:43a and 9:2.
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