12. so that, ‘They may look and look, yet not see; they may listen and listen, yet not understand. For if they did, they would turn to God, and he would forgive them.’ ”
13. Then Jesus asked them, “Don't you understand this parable? How, then, will you ever understand any parable?
14. The sower sows God's message.
15. Some people are like the seeds that fall along the path; as soon as they hear the message, Satan comes and takes it away.
16. Other people are like the seeds that fall on rocky ground. As soon as they hear the message, they receive it gladly.
17. But it does not sink deep into them, and they don't last long. So when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, they give up at once.
18. Other people are like the seeds sown among the thorn bushes. These are the ones who hear the message,