The Parable of the Mustard Seed (MRK 4:30-34)

[4:30] “What shall we say the Kingdom of God is like?” asked Jesus. “What parable shall we use to explain it?

[4:31] It is like this. A man takes a mustard seed, the smallest seed in the world, and plants it in the ground.

[4:32] After a while it grows up and becomes the biggest of all plants. It puts out such large branches that the birds come and make their nests in its shade.”

[4:33] Jesus preached his message to the people, using many other parables like these; he told them as much as they could understand.

[4:34] He would not speak to them without using parables, but when he was alone with his disciples, he would explain everything to them.