The Greatest of All Shrubs

[Jesus] also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs.” – Mark 4:30-32a (NRSV) 

At a writers’ gathering the other night, we were invited to spend two minutes writing words that were healing for us. Everyone contributed words like “forgiveness” and “yes” and “water” and phrases like “you are enough.” One person added “mustard” to the end of her list. The circle roared with laughter.  

My college roommate used to quote an old cartoon movie adaptation of Alice in Wonderland when someone tried something ridiculous. The quote comes from a scene where all the characters are sitting around a table and suggesting ways to fix a broken watch. They are throwing everything at this problem – tea and sugar and socks – until someone suggests using mustard. The conversation comes to an abrupt halt. “Mustard!?” My roomie would recite the line with mock astonishment. “Let’s not be silly, now!” It got a laugh every time.  

Listen, mustard is just funny. Jesus knew this too. When he told us that the smallest seed would grow into the greatest of all shrubs, he was being absurd. I mean, cedars and mountains and oceans are great. Telling us that God’s reign is like the greatest of all shrubs is funny. 

Too often Christians have a reputation for being humorless sourpusses. Some churches I know reserve Holy Humor Sunday for one day a year. But one of the most beautiful and overlooked parts of Jesus’s humanity was his capacity for humor. Let’s join him in a holy belly laugh as often as we can.  

Prayer
Brother Jesus, thank you for making us laugh. Keep showing us what is unexpected and true. Amen.

About the Author
Rev. Jennifer Garrison (formerly Brownell) is a writer, spiritual director and pastor living in the Pacific Northwest. Her published work most recently appeared in the book The Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle, available from The Pilgrim Press.