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.