Jesus told the crowd a parable about a farmer who went out to sow seed. As he scattered it, some fell along the path, where it was trampled and quickly eaten by birds. Some fell on rocky ground, where it sprouted fast but withered under the heat because it had no roots. Some fell among thorns, but the thorns grew up and choked it so it could not mature. Yet some seed fell on good soil, where it grew, multiplied, and produced a rich harvest.

Later, his disciples asked him what it meant. Jesus said, “The seed is the word of God. The soil is the condition of the heart that receives it.”

Some hear the word like seed on the path—heard, but not understood—so the evil one takes it away before it can take root. Some receive it with joy, like seed on rocky ground, but when trouble or persecution comes, they fall away because they have no deep roots. Others hear it like seed among thorns, but worries, wealth, and pleasures of life choke it so it cannot grow. But those who hear the word with an honest and open heart are like seed on good soil—they hold it fast, persevere, and produce a fruitful life.