27. Night and day the seed comes up and grows. It happens whether the farmer sleeps or gets up. He doesn't know how it happens.
28. All by itself the soil produces grain. First the stalk comes up. Then the head appears. Finally, the full grain appears in the head.
29. Before long the grain ripens. So the farmer cuts it down, because the harvest is ready."
30. Again Jesus said, "What can we say God's kingdom is like? What story can we use to explain it?
31. It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed planted in the ground.
32. But when you plant the seed, it grows. It becomes the largest of all garden plants. Its branches are so big that birds can rest in its shade."
33. Using many stories like those, Jesus spoke the word to them. He told them as much as they could understand.
34. He did not say anything to them without using a story. But when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything.