Jesus was quoting Daniel. Most readers miss it.

Here's how to catch it—and what it changes about how you read the parable.

Jesus didn't invent the mustard seed image. He borrowed it.  Jesus told this parable to disciples who were watching people reject his message. Opposition was growing. The Zondervan KJV Commentary, one of 70+ resources available with Bible Gateway Plus, explains why Jesus told it:    Jesus therefore wanted the disciples to realize that while God’s plan in this world may have a small beginning, it will be influential in significant ways. The mustard seed and the leaven, though small and easily overlooked, do make a difference. God’s Word may produce little fruit among a group of hearers, but that fruit will have a lasting effect. Preaching impacts eternity.    The image Jesus reached for—a tree large enough for birds to nest in its branches—wasn't invented on the spot. It came from somewhere.  You can trace exactly where, using cross-references in Bible Gateway. Here's how. Step 1: Turn on cross-references. Open Matthew 13:31–32 in Bible Gateway. In Page Options, turn on cross-references—available in the NKJV, they show where else in Scripture the same themes, words, and events appear.   Step 2: Follow the thread. Notice the cross-references in the text, indicated with superscript letters. For Matthew 13:32, the cross-references point to Psalm 104:12; Ezekiel 17:22–24; 31:3–9; and Daniel 4:12. That last one is the thread. Daniel 4 is Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great tree—so tall and wide that birds nest in its branches and every creature finds shelter under it.   Jesus wasn't just describing a tree. He was reaching back to a vision of a kingdom so vast that all nations find rest in it. This is how Jesus taught—every detail a deliberate echo of something older.    Step 3: Open the Resources tab. Select the Zondervan KJV Commentary, one of the 70+ resources available with Bible Gateway Plus. It connects the dots—without leaving the passage:   This could be an allusion to Daniel 4:21, suggesting that the kingdom of heaven will expand to world dominion and that people from all nations will find rest in it (see Dan. 2:35, 44-45; 7:27; Rev. 11:15)…    The cross-reference points to Daniel 4:12—the dream of the tree itself. The commentary points to Daniel 4:21—the interpretation of that same dream. Together they show how a resource helps you understand not just where a cross-reference leads, but what it means when you get there.   What other images in Jesus' parables might trace back to the Old Testament?  Most people notice a detail like "birds nesting in branches" and keep reading. Readers who stop, trace the thread back, and sit with where it leads are the ones who begin to understand how the whole of Scripture fits together.   Bible Gateway Plus gives you the tools to read that way—30+ study Bibles, 15+ commentaries, right alongside every passage you read.  Monthly plan: $6.99/month  Yearly plan: $69.99/year—just $5.83/month*  *Choose yearly and get 2 months free.  Start Your Free Trial 7 days free. Cancel anytime.  Have any questions? Please write to us at support@biblegateway.com. *All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only.   This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this email because you are signed up for communications from Bible Gateway. If you have questions or comments about this email, please contact us.   Manage all Bible Gateway communication | Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication   VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER  ►

Verse of the Day - July 01, 2026

Romans 12:3 New International Version   Humble Service in the Body of Christ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Read on Bible Gateway Read all of Romans 12 ► NIV Application Bible Buy Now Forward this email to your friends, or invite them to subscribe to receive the Verse of the Day here. Ever read a verse and wish someone could explain what it really means? With Bible Gateway Plus, it's easier than you think. You get: Over $5,300 in study Bibles, commentaries, and reference tools Insights that appear right alongside the verse you're reading Ad-free reading on any device Study notes, real-world application, and deeper context — right where you're already reading. Move from reading to really understanding with one click. Start My Free Trial RECOMMENDED FOR YOU NIV Application Bible, Red Letter, Comfort Print Shop Now Take God's Word With You     Bible Gateway Plus Study ad-free with $5,300+ in commentaries, study Bibles, and devotionals—go from just reading God's Word to truly understanding it.   Try It Free Bible Gateway App Connect with God's Word anytime, anywhere. Bible Audio App Listen to God's word in your favorite narration. Enjoy features such as setting a timer, adjusting the speed, or repeating verses to better absorb the Word of God.  Copyright Information   Bible Gateway Verse of the Day VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER  ►     This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA.  You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about     this email, please contact us.   Manage all Bible Gateway subscriptions   Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER  ►   This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway,  501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about     this email, please contact us.     Manage all Bible Gateway subscriptions     Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication