11. "Here is what the story means. The seed is God's message.
12. People on the path are those who hear. But then the devil comes. He takes away the message from their hearts. He does it so they won't believe. Then they can't be saved.
13. Those on the rock are the ones who hear the message and receive it with joy. But they have no roots. They believe for a while. But when they are put to the test, they fall away from the faith.
14. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear the message. But as they go on their way, they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures. So they do not reach full growth.
15. "But the seed on good soil stands for those with an honest and good heart. They hear the message. They keep it in their hearts. They remain faithful and produce a good crop.
16. "People do not light a lamp and then hide it in a jar or put it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand. Then those who come in can see its light.
17. What is hidden will be seen. And what is out of sight will be brought into the open and made known.
18. "So be careful how you listen. If you have something, you will be given more. If you have nothing, even what you think you have will be taken away from you."
19. Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him. But they could not get near him because of the crowd.
20. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside. They want to see you."
21. He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and do what it says."
22. One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they got into a boat and left.
23. As they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. A storm came down on the lake. It was so bad that the boat was about to sink. They were in great danger.
24. The disciples went and woke Jesus up. They said, "Master! Master! We're going to drown!" He got up and ordered the wind and the huge waves to stop. The storm quieted down. It was completely calm.
25. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. They were amazed and full of fear. They asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the waves, and they obey him."
26. Jesus and his disciples sailed to the area of the Gerasenes across the lake from Galilee.
27. When Jesus stepped on shore, he was met by a man from the town. The man was controlled by demons. For a long time he had not worn clothes or lived in a house. He lived in the tombs.
28. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet. He shouted at the top of his voice, "Jesus, Son of the Most High God, what do you want with me? I beg you, don't hurt me!"