Concerning the “Mustard Tree” (4:21-41) …The mustard tree originated in Persia (modern-day Iran). The shrub is still fairly widespread around this region. Other common places you’ll find the mustard tree include in the Orient, northern Africa, and the East Indies. However, due to its incredible resilience and adaptability, mustard is now common in various countries around the world. The tree is commercially cultivated in Canada, the US, the UK, and Denmark.
Uses: The mustard tree has a variety of applications. Extracts from the plant are widely used in the manufacture of toothbrushes. That’s due to the tree’s antibacterial properties, which may come in handy in preventing plaque. Mustard fruits and seeds may also be consumed as nutritious supplements. They can be eaten raw or used as ingredients in various cuisines. The seeds have been cited for their abundance in dietary fiber as well as vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and selenium. In places like the Punjab regions, dried mustard fruits are popular flavor enhancers and appetite boosters. Notable medical conditions that mustard may help with include: Blood disorders like hypertension, Headaches and migraine, Rheumatism and Asthma. Mustard is also considered an ornamental plant and makes an excellent addition to home gardens. It’s especially noted for its low branches and wide spread, which may provide a natural shade in your home garden.
In an upcoming post we will come across Jesus’ saying that a prophet has no honor in his own country. There is a reference to this in all 4 gospels (Mt. 13:57; Mk. 6:4; Lk. 4:24 and Jn. 4:44). If you study these you it will seem that the four Gospels do not all have this event in the same order of events. This should not be problematic or worrisome. Consider the following when you compare the Gospels.
· The wrote for 4 different “audiences” (Jewish, Roman, Greek and the Early Church) and thus were led by the Spirit to include different stories.
· By the Spirit they emphasized different material: Matthew had more sermons of Jesus; Mark emphasized action; Luke stressed historical consistency; John shared personal conversations Jesus had.
· Jesus repeated teaching on different occasions (e.g. the Sermon on the Mount, Mt. 5-7, and Sermon on the Flat Place. Lk. 6:17-49 are similar but different).
· The four often described the same events but emphasized different details. The accounts of Jesus’ resurrection illustrate this.
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