Some of the seed fell into a patch of weeds. It sprouted, but the weeds used up all the moisture and sunlight. The new sprouts couldn’t mature and bear fruit.

But some of the seed fell on good soil that was made ready for it. There, it was cared for, nourished, and grew to become mature plants. The harvest was great!

Jesus didn’t explain the meaning of this parable to the crowd, so the disciples asked, “What does it mean?”

Jesus said, “The seed is the Word of God. The various soils are how people receive it. Some people receive the Word of God like the seed that fell on the path. They hear it, but they don’t understand it—and like the birds—the Devil comes and takes the seed away from them so that they won’t believe.

Some receive the Word like the seed that fell among the rocks. They gladly receive it, but don’t take the time to establish roots. They don’t endure because of trials and persecutions.

Some people receive the Word like the seed that fell in the weed patch. They receive it, but their priorities keep them from maturing and producing a harvest. Worries, money, and pleasure capture all their time and attention.

But some people receive the Word of God like the seed that fell upon good ground. They hear the Word with an open heart, and understand it. Therefore, they mature and the harvest is great.

Jesus went on to say, “The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a mustard seed. A man saw it was a very small seed. Still, he planted it in the ground to see what would happen. That small seed produced a tree. It had branches that spread out, so that birds came and made their nests there.