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The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.
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The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away.
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The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy.
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But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.
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The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word,
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but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.
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And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
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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.