The Mustard Seed, Leaven, Treasure, Pearl, and Net

THE MUSTARD SEED

 

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “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 the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.

 

THE LEAVEN

 

Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”

Matthew 13: 31-33

 

Possible discussion questions:

  1. Any relationship between the two? To which of Jesus’ listeners would each speak of their daily life? Farmers? Homemakers?
  2. Any relationship with the parable of the sower or the tares?
  3. What is the power of the mustard seed? 
  4. Do we see this in the early Church? In the spread of the gospel? In our own lives?
  5. How can we become like the mustard seed?
  6. How does leavening work?
  7. Do the parables refer to our souls or those of the whole world (or both)?
  8. How can we leaven ourselves? The world?

 

 

 

THE TREASURE, THE PEARL, THE NET

 

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

 

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

 

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.  So it will be at the end of the age.  The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

 

Matthew 13:44-50

 

Possible discussion questions:

  1. What is the kingdom of heaven?
  2. What will be required of those who wish to enter the kingdom of heaven?
  3. Why was the treasure hidden?
  4. How are the treasure and the pearl of great price alike? Unlike?
  5. How are the bad fish like and unlike the tares?