The Mustard Seed for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply

Series: Teachings of Jesus (Episode 07 of 10) | Scripture: Matthew/Luke | Ages 5+

The Mustard Seed is a Bible story from Matthew/Luke in the New Testament. This retelling is designed for kids ages 5 and up, using simple language they can understand and lessons they will remember.

What Is the Story of The Mustard Seed for Kids?

THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS — Episode 7 "The Mustard Seed" Based on Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Matthew 17:20

Let me ask you something. What is the smallest seed you can think of? A sunflower seed? A sesame seed? Now imagine something even tinier. I am talking about a mustard seed — so small you could barely see it sitting on the tip of your finger. You might look at it and think, "That's nothing. What could THAT ever become?"

And that is exactly why I used it to teach one of my most powerful lessons.

I told the crowds: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed. A man takes this tiny little seed and plants it in his garden. It's the smallest of all the seeds he plants. But when it grows — oh, when it GROWS — it becomes the largest plant in the whole garden. So big that birds fly in and build their nests in its branches!"

This story comes from Matthew/Luke and is part of the New Testament.

What Does the Story of The Mustard Seed Teach Children?

The story of The Mustard Seed teaches children important lessons about love, kindness, forgiveness, prayer, wisdom:

• This story teaches children about love in a way they can understand
• God's love and faithfulness are visible throughout this story
• Every Bible story connects to the bigger picture of God's plan for the world

Key Bible Verse

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants." — Mark 4:31-32

Parent's Guide: Why This Story Matters

Every Bible story is an opportunity to talk with your child about faith in a natural, low-pressure way. After watching, ask an open-ended question like 'What was your favorite part?' or 'What do you think God was trying to teach us?' These conversations do not need to be long or perfect. The goal is simply to make the Bible feel like a living, relevant part of your family's life, not something dusty on a shelf.

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

After watching the video, see if your child can answer these questions:

In the parable, what happens to the tiny mustard seed when it grows?

Even though the mustard seed is the smallest seed planted in the garden, it grows into the largest plant — so big that birds come and make their nests in its branches. That is how God's Kingdom works — small beginnings, massive growth.

How much faith did Jesus say you need to move a mountain?

Jesus said that even faith as small as a mustard seed — the tiniest amount of genuine trust in God — is enough to move mountains. It is not about the size of your faith, but about the size of the God your faith is in.

What is the main lesson of the Mustard Seed parable?

The whole point of this parable is that God specializes in turning small things into big things. A tiny seed of faith, a small act of kindness, a little bit of courage — in God's hands, these can grow beyond anything you could imagine.

Discussion Questions for Families

Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:

1. What was your favorite part of the story of The Mustard Seed?
2. What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
3. How can we be more like The in our own lives?
4. If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
5. What does this story teach us about trusting God?

More Episodes in the Teachings of Jesus Series

This story is episode 07 of 10 in the Teachings of Jesus series:

• The Sermon on the Mount for Kids
• The Beatitudes for Kids
• The Lords Prayer for Kids
• The Good Samaritan for Kids
• The Prodigal Son for Kids
• The Sower and the Seeds for Kids
• The Lost Sheep for Kids
• The Wise and Foolish Builders for Kids
• The Unforgiving Servant for Kids

300+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

Faithful Kids has 300+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is a short video lesson, designed for kids Ages 5+, with a quiz after each lesson. No ads, ever.

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There is a free Jesus and the children coloring page on our site too, if they would rather draw the story than only hear it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of The Mustard Seed about for kids?

The Mustard Seed is a story from Matthew/Luke. THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS — Episode 7 "The Mustard Seed" Based on Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Matthew 17:20

What age is the story of The Mustard Seed appropriate for?

This retelling of The Mustard Seed is designed for children Ages 5+. The language is simple and age-appropriate, and the video is just a few minutes long, perfect for young attention spans.

Where is The Mustard Seed found in the Bible?

The Mustard Seed is found in Matthew/Luke in the New Testament. It is part of the Teachings of Jesus series on Faithful Kids.

Is there a video of The Mustard Seed for kids?

Yes. Faithful Kids has a short video retelling of The Mustard Seed designed for children, with narration, visuals, and a comprehension quiz. Watch it here.

How can I use The Mustard Seed for Sunday School or homeschool?

Play the short Faithful Kids video as an introduction, then use the discussion questions above for group conversation. The built-in quiz checks comprehension. Many Sunday school teachers and homeschool parents use Faithful Kids as weekly curriculum.

What does The Mustard Seed teach kids?

The story of The Mustard Seed teaches children about love, kindness, forgiveness, prayer, wisdom. This story teaches children about love in a way they can understand.