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Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.
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For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.
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Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
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Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more.
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To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”
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Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground.
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Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.
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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.
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And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
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Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?
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It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds,