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.”