Mark 4:14-19

14The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.

15The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away.

16The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy.

17But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.

18The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word,

19but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.