27
Night and day, whether the person is asleep or awake, the seed still grows, but the person does not know how it grows.
28
By itself the earth produces grain. First the plant grows, then the head, and then all the grain in the head.
29
When the grain is ready, the farmer cuts it, because 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 smallest seed you plant in the ground.
32
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."
33
Jesus used many stories like these to teach the crowd God's message -- as much as they could understand.
34
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.
37
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.