Anyone Care to Explain Jesus' Mistake?

[Samantha Rinne]

Neither is the Mustard Plant a tree, which birds can rest in.

In my opinion.

Mustard tree facts

Is the mustard seed the smallest of all seeds? | CARM.org

Different mustards.

 

[4consideration]

In another post there was mention of Matthew 13:31-32 where Jesus speaks to the multitudes saying,

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."
​

which reminded me of this little fact.

SEEDS​

comparative sizes​

(FYI, Wolffia is a genus of 9 to 11 species which include the smallest flowering plants on Earth.
Commonly called watermeal or duckweed, these aquatic plants resemble specks of cornmeal
floating on the water.)​

CONCLUSION: The mustard seed is not "the smallest of all seeds."

As for an explanation, I'm talking about a rational explanation here, not some rubbish that Jesus was only talking about seeds from plants in the area, or that because he was speaking in a proverbial/parable style he wasn't making a statement of fact.

.

'
I don't see where he said "the smallest of all seeds in the world." If he is talking about what is being planted in a man's field and comparing one plant to all the other garden plants, he could easily have been talking about "of all seeds" planted in the garden.

I think he's making a point about proportion, from seed to maturity, but I don't want to trip up the thread by looking at a metaphor as a metaphor.

 

[74x12]

In another post there was mention of Matthew 13:31-32 where Jesus speaks to the multitudes saying,

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."
​

which reminded me of this little fact.

SEEDS​

comparative sizes​

(FYI, Wolffia is a genus of 9 to 11 species which include the smallest flowering plants on Earth.
Commonly called watermeal or duckweed, these aquatic plants resemble specks of cornmeal
floating on the water.)​

CONCLUSION: The mustard seed is not "the smallest of all seeds."

As for an explanation, I'm talking about a rational explanation here, not some rubbish that Jesus was only talking about seeds from plants in the area, or that because he was speaking in a proverbial/parable style he wasn't making a statement of fact.

.

He was talking to the gardeners and farmers of Judea so they all would already know that the mustard seed is the smallest seed they planted around there.

 

[Axe Elf]

At least he din't say "ketchup seed."

 

[Skwim]

So according to you, God should look like your idea of a magical genie and Jesus should have magical knowledge of science, and not speak in metaphors because God needs to be precise scientifically in order for you to believe in God. I see......

Christians are the ones who claim an omniscient god inspired the Bible, so where's the error in thinking that what is said in the Bible should be true? Or are you of the opinion that god has included falsehoods, lies, and erroneous material in his book?

The bible says that Jesus said "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, . . . "

Now pay attention here. Even though "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed," is a simile, it has no bearing on the description of the nature of mustard seeds. Whether or not a simile is constructed around mustard seeds, in describing their size Jesus is simply relating what he believes to be a fact: They're "the smallest of all seeds,"

Now either Jesus was mistaken in making such a claim, OR god mistakenly attributed it to Jesus when he inspired Matthew and Mark to write it down.

Take your pick.

.

​

 

[Skwim]

'
I don't see where he said "the smallest of all seeds in the world." If he is talking about what is being planted in a man's field and comparing one plant to all the other garden plants, he could easily have been talking about "of all seeds" planted in the garden.

He was talking to the gardeners and farmers of Judea so they all would already know that the mustard seed is the smallest seed they planted around there.

Evidently neither of you read all of my OP, particularly where I said,

" . . .I'm talking about a rational explanation here, not some rubbish that Jesus was only talking about seeds from plants in the area,"​

meaning, I'm not about to entertain any such an explanation.

.

.

 

[74x12]

Christians are the ones who claim an omniscient god inspired the Bible, so where's the error in thinking that what is said in the Bible should be true? Or are you of the opinion that god has included falsehoods, lies, and erroneous material in his book?

The bible says that Jesus said "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, . . . "

Now pay attention here. Even though "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed," is a simile, it has no bearing on the description of the nature of mustard seeds. Whether or not a simile is constructed around mustard seeds, in describing their size Jesus is simply relating what he believes to be a fact: They're "the smallest of all seeds,"

Now either Jesus was mistaken in making such a claim, OR god mistakenly attributed it to Jesus when he inspired Matthew and Mark to write it down.

Take your pick.

Well I think you're adding to the scripture. You're making it say that it's the smallest seed in the whole world. It doesn't say that. Keep it context of who He is talking to and what He's talking about. So the parable was for Jews who were used to planting gardens or knew at least something about it. It's basically gardener jargon and you're making it out to be literal.

 

[Rough Beast Sloucher]

Neither is the Mustard Plant a tree, which birds can rest in.

In my opinion.

“Mustard bushes reach an average mature height of between 6 and 20 feet with a 20-foot spread, although exceptional plants can reach 30 feet tall under ideal conditions.”
What Is the Size of a Mustard Bush?

If you saw this while driving in the country, would you contradict a passenger who called it a tree?

 

[Skwim]

Well I think you're adding to the scripture. You're making it say that it's the smallest seed in the whole world. It doesn't say that. Keep it context of who He is talking to and what He's talking about. So the parable was for Jews who were used to planting gardens or knew at least something about it. It's basically gardener jargon and you're making it out to be literal.

*sigh* Okay, take John 14:6 where we read

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.
​

According to your approach to scriptures this certainly doesn't apply to everyone, because it doesn't say so, but only applies to his immediate followers.

If you won't let me assume "the whole world" why should I let you assume "everyone"?

.

 

[Faithofchristian]

In another post there was mention of Matthew 13:31-32 where Jesus speaks to the multitudes saying,

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."
​

which reminded me of this little fact.

SEEDS​

comparative sizes​

(FYI, Wolffia is a genus of 9 to 11 species which include the smallest flowering plants on Earth.
Commonly called watermeal or duckweed, these aquatic plants resemble specks of cornmeal
floating on the water.)​

CONCLUSION: The mustard seed is not "the smallest of all seeds."

As for an explanation, I'm talking about a rational explanation here, not some rubbish that Jesus was only talking about seeds from plants in the area, or that because he was speaking in a proverbial/parable style he wasn't making a statement of fact.

.

Well it's evidence that a person doesn't plant watermeal or duckweed in their fields.

Seeing duckweed as referred to as watermeal only grows in a body of water and not in the field of the ground.

Therefore according to what Jesus said in Matthew 13:31--"the kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field"

Seeing that a mustard seed grows from the ground in the field, and the duckweed as referred to as watermeal only grows in a suitable body of water.
It is so small it looks like meal floating on the water, hence its name watermeal. The tiniest Duckweed, is not edible.

Seeing that duckweed as referred to as watermeal, is not edible for human consumption, But seeing mustards is edible for human consumption.

And seeing when the mustard seed grows that birds can make their nests in the branches, unto which watermeal or duckweed are way to small for birds to build their nests in and seeing that watermeal or duckweed floats on top of the water, it would useless for birds to even try to build their nests on.

And seeing how that Jesus was referring to Farmers who sow seeds in their fields, it plainly shows what seeds Jesus was referring to.

The famers at the time of Jesus planted their seeds in the fields, The same as farmers do to day, When they plant their seeds of corn, tomatoes, potatoes and the such are planted in fields and not in a body of water, as the watermeal or duckweed grows.
It only takes common sense to know the difference between seeds that are planted in fields of the ground and seeds that grows in a body of water, such as the watermeal and duckweeds grows in a body of water.

 

[Skwim]

And seeing how that Jesus was referring to Farmers who sow seeds in their fields, it plainly shows what seeds Jesus was referring to.

"Prove" it! Show us your evidence, not your personal conjecture. If you can't,


Have a good day.

.

 

[Faithofchristian]

"Prove" it! Show us your evidence, not your personal conjecture.

.

Well it's evidence since your the one that quoted Matthew 13:31-32, and who else but farmers plant their seeds in the ground, But farmers.
And seeing that Jesus was referring to those men at his time as sowing seeds in their fields,
Have you ever heard anyone sowing their seeds in a body of water or planting corn in a body of water.

So it's evidence what Jesus referring to, When Jesus said which a man took his seeds planted them in the field.

Never heard a body of water as being called a field.

 

[Trackdayguy]

In another post there was mention of Matthew 13:31-32 where Jesus speaks to the multitudes saying,

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."
​

which reminded me of this little fact.

SEEDS​

comparative sizes​

(FYI, Wolffia is a genus of 9 to 11 species which include the smallest flowering plants on Earth.
Commonly called watermeal or duckweed, these aquatic plants resemble specks of cornmeal
floating on the water.)​

CONCLUSION: The mustard seed is not "the smallest of all seeds."

As for an explanation, I'm talking about a rational explanation here, not some rubbish that Jesus was only talking about seeds from plants in the area, or that because he was speaking in a proverbial/parable style he wasn't making a statement of fact.

.

Oops, there goes that Greek analytical thinking again. I think you may have missed the point, the issues isn't about the literal translation of the size of the seed. Take another look at the story, what is he talking about in the story.

 

[Trackdayguy]

What's irrelevant? My explanation of faith of your acceptance of it? Faith is a belief of things unseen. Unknown. But a path leads to their knowing. Just like the car. Is everything to you based on facts? Nothing more than what you see and understand? Does Proxima Centauri exist? Have you seen it? Touched it? Smelled it? Someone told you it existed and you follow them. You have no facts. Just speculation. How about aliens? Sasquatch?

Just because you have no facts on spirituality doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Sometimes unexplained occurrences point to spiritual existence. You just see it as luck, or coincidence. You just cannot explain what your don't know, calling it a different name, that still are not "fact"ual.

Perception.

he who has ears let him hear. Most cant hear because they have elevated the mind, GREEK thinking. The mind has become GOD

 

[Faithofchristian]

Oops, there goes that Greek analytical thinking again. I think you may have missed the point, the issues isn't about the literal translation of the size of the seed. Take another look at the story, what is he talking about in the story.

Yes, the Subject is about the kingdom of heaven and not about mustard seeds.

Very good point. If I may say.

 

[whirlingmerc]

In another post there was mention of Matthew 13:31-32 where Jesus speaks to the multitudes saying,

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."
​

which reminded me of this little fact.

SEEDS​

comparative sizes​

(FYI, Wolffia is a genus of 9 to 11 species which include the smallest flowering plants on Earth.
Commonly called watermeal or duckweed, these aquatic plants resemble specks of cornmeal
floating on the water.)​

CONCLUSION: The mustard seed is not "the smallest of all seeds."

As for an explanation, I'm talking about a rational explanation here, not some rubbish that Jesus was only talking about seeds from plants in the area, or that because he was speaking in a proverbial/parable style he wasn't making a statement of fact.

.

Its a literary use. It's a small seed, among the smaller seeds. The main point is it starts small and ends big

Obadiah: pride vs humility - humility wins and wins big

 

[Thief]

In another post there was mention of Matthew 13:31-32 where Jesus speaks to the multitudes saying,

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."
​

which reminded me of this little fact.

SEEDS​

comparative sizes​

(FYI, Wolffia is a genus of 9 to 11 species which include the smallest flowering plants on Earth.
Commonly called watermeal or duckweed, these aquatic plants resemble specks of cornmeal
floating on the water.)​

CONCLUSION: The mustard seed is not "the smallest of all seeds."

As for an explanation, I'm talking about a rational explanation here, not some rubbish that Jesus was only talking about seeds from plants in the area, or that because he was speaking in a proverbial/parable style he wasn't making a statement of fact.

.

maybe He was talking to people who might not know .....anyway
way confuse the actual point?

 

[Thief]

Yes, he was wrong. I have never seen birds resting on the branches of faith before, have you? What does a faith tree look like anyway? You would think with all those wood branches sticking out of people's heads, someone would have noticed by now! This "statement of fact" was clearly a technical error worth noting! It calls into doubt everything he taught, such as the commandments to love.

Jesus' mistake actually, was that he didn't anticipate literalists in the 21st century with no imagination. He should have be precise in scientific language if he had any hope to speak to modern atheists and convince them of magical thinking, which is the foundation of spiritual awakening attested to be the great sages and masters of all ages. Magical scientific knowledge is foundational to spiritual authority in all the great traditions. So some appear to believe anyway.

yeah....like that incident when He was taken from the temple by some angry congregation....

Eat My Flesh!.....Drink My Blood!....
He did say

and they almost killed Him for it

 

[savagewind]

Certainly. I'm serious. Presuming the scriptures are divinely inspired, god used those words and terms that best gets his message across. If some other word or term would have better done the job he would have used it. AND assuming that god is all-knowing there is no reason to suspect he mistakenly used the wrong words or terms. Therefore, when Jesus says "Though it is the smallest of all seeds,. . . . " That's what he means: Of all the seeds in the world that of the mustard plant is the smallest. HOWEVER! we know this isn't true. Jesus made a mistake in saying so. So my question is, Anyone care to explain this mistake? Could it be that god was wrong in putting these words in Jesus' mouth as he inspired the writers of the Matthew and Mark to write this verse? Or did Jesus actually utter these erroneous words?
.

How do you know that the people for whom it was written knew about the smaller seeds that you know about?

 

[Skwim]

Its a literary use. It's a small seed, among the smaller seeds. The main point is it starts small and ends big

The point of the story is not my point. Please see post #1

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