Study Desk

But when the sun rose, the plants dried up, because they did not have deep roots.

Jesus answered, "You have been chosen to know the secrets about the kingdom of heaven, but others cannot know these secrets.

Those who have understanding will be given more, and they will have all they need. But those who do not have understanding, even what they have will be taken away from them.

This is why I use stories to teach the people: They see, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really hear or understand.

So they show that the things Isaiah said about them are true: ‘You will listen and listen, but you will not understand. You will look and look, but you will not learn.

But you are blessed, because you see with your eyes and hear with your ears.

I tell you the truth, many prophets and good people wanted to see the things that you now see, but they did not see them. And they wanted to hear the things that you now hear, but they did not hear them.

What is the seed that fell by the road? That seed is like the person who hears the message about the kingdom but does not understand it. The Evil One comes and takes away what was planted in that person's heart.

But he does not let the teaching go deep into his life, so he keeps it only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching he accepted, he quickly gives up.

And what is the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching but lets worries about this life and the temptation of wealth stop that teaching from growing. So the teaching does not produce fruit in that person's life.

But what is the seed that fell on the good ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and understands it. That person grows and produces fruit, sometimes a hundred times more, sometimes sixty times more, and sometimes thirty times more."

Later, the wheat sprouted and the heads of grain grew, but the weeds also grew.

That seed is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows, it is one of the largest garden plants. It becomes big enough for the wild birds to come and build nests in its branches."

So the people were upset with Jesus. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown and in his own home."

Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they believed John was a prophet.

When Jesus heard what had happened to John, he left in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. But the crowds heard about it and followed him on foot from the towns.

But Jesus answered, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat."

They said to him, "But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish."

But Jesus quickly spoke to them, "Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."

But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, "Lord, save me!"