8. And some seed fell on good ground. This seed grew and made 100 times more grain.”Jesus finished the story. Then he called out, “Let those with ears use them and listen!”
9. Jesus’ followers asked him, “What does this story mean?”
10. Jesus said, “You have been chosen to know the secret truths of the kingdom of God. But I use stories to speak to other people. I do this so that:‘They will look, but they may not see.They will listen, but they may not understand.’ Isaiah 6:9
11. “This is what the story means: The seed is God’s teaching.
12. What is the seed that fell beside the road? It is like the people who hear God’s teaching, but then the devil comes and takes it away from their hearts. So they cannot believe the teaching and be saved.
13. What is the seed that fell on rock? It is like those who hear God’s teaching and accept it gladly. But they don’t have deep roots. They believe for a while, but then trouble comes. They stop believing and turn away from God.
14. What is the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? It is like those who hear God’s teaching, but they let the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life keep them from growing. So they never produce good fruit.
15. And what is the seed that fell on the good ground? That is like those who hear God’s teaching with a good, honest heart. They obey God’s teaching and patiently produce good fruit.
16. “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. Instead, he puts the lamp on a lampstand so that those who come in will have enough light to see.
17. Everything that is hidden will become clear. Every secret thing will be made known.
18. So be careful how you listen. The person who has something will be given more. But to the person who has nothing, this will happen: Even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”