Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
All Commentaries on Matthew 13:32 Go To Matthew 13
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Therefore He brought forward the similitude of this herb, which has a very strong resemblance to the subject in hand.
Thus He meant to set forth the most decisive sign of its greatness. Even so then shall it be with respect to the gospel too, says He. Yea, for His disciples were weakest of all, and least of all; but nevertheless, because of the great power that was in them, It has been unfolded in every part of the world.