31
The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, the smallest seed you plant in the ground.
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But when planted, this seed grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants. It produces large branches, and the wild birds can make nests in its shade."
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Jesus used many stories like these to teach the crowd God's message -- as much as they could understand.
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He always used stories to teach them. But when he and his followers were alone, Jesus explained everything to them.
35
That evening, Jesus said to his followers, "Let's go across the lake."
36
Leaving the crowd behind, they took him in the boat just as he was. There were also other boats with them.
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A very strong wind came up on the lake. The waves came over the sides and into the boat so that it was already full of water.
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Jesus was at the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a cushion. His followers woke him and said, "Teacher, don't you care that we are drowning!"
39
Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind stopped, and it became completely calm.
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Jesus said to his followers, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
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The followers were very afraid and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"