23. If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend.
24. And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you–and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.
25. For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away [by force],
26. And He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground,
27. And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and increases–he knows not how.
28. The earth produces [acting] by itself–first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
29. But when the grain is ripe and permits, immediately he sends forth [the reapers] and puts in the sickle, because the harvest stands ready.
30. And He said, With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use to illustrate and explain it?
31. It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all seeds upon the earth;
32. Yet after it is sown, it grows up and becomes the greatest of all garden herbs and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air are able to make nests and dwell in its shade.
33. With many such parables [Jesus] spoke the Word to them, as they were able to hear and to comprehend and understand.
34. He did not tell them anything without a parable; but privately to His disciples (those who were peculiarly His own) He explained everything [fully].
35. On that same day [when] evening had come, He said to them, Let us go over to the other side [of the lake].