Scriptures

New Living Translation (NLT)

Mark 4
²⁸ The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.
²⁹ And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
³⁰ Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?
³¹ It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds,
³² but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
³³ Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand.
³⁴ 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.
³⁵ As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”
³⁶ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).
³⁷ But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
³⁸ 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?”