Mark 4:31-35

The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 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.” Jesus used many stories like these to teach the crowd God’s message—as much as they could understand. He always used stories to teach them. But when he and his followers were alone, Jesus explained everything to them. That evening, Jesus said to his followers, “Let’s go across the lake.”