17. But they have no roots. So they last only a short time. They quickly fall away from the faith when trouble or suffering comes because of the message.
18. And what is seed scattered among thorns like? The people hear the message.
19. But then the worries of this life come to them. Wealth comes with its false promises. The people also long for other things. All of those are the kinds of things that crowd out the message. They keep it from producing fruit.
20. And what is seed scattered on good soil like? The people hear the message. They accept it. They produce a good crop 30, 60, or even 100 times more than the farmer planted."
21. Jesus said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a large bowl or a bed? Don't you put it on its stand?
22. What is hidden is meant to be seen. And what is put out of sight is meant to be brought out into the open.
23. Everyone who has ears should listen."