14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the ^zcares and ^ariches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and ^bbear fruit with patience.

16 ^c“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For ^dnothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care then how you hear, for ^eto the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”

19 ^fThen his mother and his brothers¹ came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, ^g“My mother and my brothers are those who ^hhear the word of God and do it.”