Differences between the gospel texts are also effaced in sources based on Mark or Luke by the adducing of other versions For example. Ambrose supplies the notion of the seed's smallness from Matthew. Three important allegories are present in medieval tradition. The first interprets the parable as an allegory of the Christian faith in the world, from its adumbration by the prophets to its triumph over other beliefs. The second takes the imagery of planting and growth to refer to the progress of belief within a devout soul.
Many authorities combine elements of two or three allegories.
We will first look at representative statements of each tradition. Christ's branches are the apostles, to whom the heathen nations fly for shelter from the devil. Without analyzing details. Commenting on Mark. The personal reading is first suggested by Ambrose, though he devotes the bulk of his rather long discussion to historical and evangelical concepts.