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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.”
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So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).
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But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
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Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
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When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.
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Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
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The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”