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To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
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Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground.
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Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.
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The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.
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And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
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Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?
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It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds,
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but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
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Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand.
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In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.
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As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”