28. Without any help, the earth produces grain. First the plant grows, then the head, and then all the grain in the head.
29. When the grain is ready, the man cuts it. This is the harvest time.”
30. Then Jesus said, “How can I show you what the kingdom of God is like? What story can I use to explain it?
31. The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. The mustard seed is the smallest seed you plant in the ground.
32. But when you plant this seed, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants. It produces large branches. Even the wild birds can make nests in it and be protected from the sun.”
33. Jesus used many stories like these to teach them. He taught them all that they could understand.
34. He always used stories to teach them. But when he and his followers were alone together, Jesus explained everything to them.
35. That evening, Jesus said to his followers, “Come with me across the lake.”
36. He and the followers left the people there. They went in the boat that Jesus was already sitting in. There were also other boats with them.
37. A very strong wind came up on the lake. The waves began coming over the sides and into the boat. It was almost full of water.
38. Jesus was at the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. The followers went to him and woke him. They said, “Teacher, do you care about us? We will drown!”
39. Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and the waves to stop. He said, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind stopped, and the lake became calm.
40. Jesus said to his followers, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41. The followers were very afraid and asked each other, “What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”