4. While the farmer was scattering the seed, some of it fell along the road and was eaten by birds.
5. Other seeds fell on thin, rocky ground and quickly started growing because the soil wasn't very deep.
6. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched and dried up, because they did not have enough roots.
7. Some other seeds fell where thorn bushes grew up and choked the plants.
8. But a few seeds did fall on good ground where the plants produced a hundred or sixty or thirty times as much as was scattered.
9. If you have ears, pay attention!
10. Jesus' disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you use nothing but stories when you speak to the people?”
11. Jesus answered:I have explained the secrets about the kingdom of heaven to you, but not to others.