With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.
Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.
Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.