13
The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation.
14
The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.
15
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
16
“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.
17
For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.
18
“So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.”
19
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn’t get to him because of the crowd.
20
Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see you.”
21
Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.”
22
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out.
23
As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.