25
Those who understand [these mysteries] will be given [more knowledge]. However, some people don't understand [these mysteries]. Even what they understand will be taken away from them."
26
Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seeds on the ground.
27
He sleeps at night and is awake during the day. The seeds sprout and grow, although the man doesn't know how.
28
The ground produces grain by itself. First the green blade appears, then the head, then the head full of grain.
29
As soon as the grain is ready, he cuts it with a sickle, because harvest time has come."
30
Jesus asked, "How can we show what the kingdom of God is like? To what can we compare it?
31
It's like a mustard seed planted in the ground. The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds on earth.
32
However, when planted, it comes up and becomes taller than all the garden plants. It grows such large branches that birds can nest in its shade."
33
Jesus spoke [God's] word to them using many illustrations like these. In this way people could understand what he taught.
34
He did not speak to them without using an illustration. But when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.
35
That evening, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side."