Jesus' forced his audience to reconcile the mustard seed and its intrinsic connotations with the image of the tree, representing the growth and realization of the kingdom of God. The parable of the Mustard Seed is one whose message lies in Jesus ability to capitalize on the power of contrasting ideas and on thought-provoking imagery. In the community of Jesus time the kingdom of God was present in the smallest manner, in Jesus' and his disciples teaching and healing. But the parable of the mustard seed was given to provide certainty that indeed the kingdom would come. Jesus utilized the imagery of the mustard seed to challenge His followers.
Life is realized in the smallest of beginnings.
In the human body growth and maturation are directed by DNA- proteins wound in a double stranded helix, which is composed of amino acids, which are composed of molecules so small no microscope could bring them into view. Our limitations are drawn by the boundaries we build around ourselves. While we cower in our shadow of imperfection, the world moves and breathes around us as molecules collide and coagulate forming the backbone of creation. It is amazing how God can use us in spite of obvious ineptitude if we make ourselves available to be used. Only in the hands of our Creator can our full potential be realized.