33-01

the lake

This refers to the Sea of Galilee.

33-02

spreading the seed by hand

Farmers in the ancient Middle East typically planted grain-bearing crops by throwing the seed on the soil.

the path

The path was packed hard from people walking on it. The seed could not go down into the soil, so it was easy for the birds to eat all of it.

33-03

very little soil

The rocky ground had enough soil to hide the seed from the birds, but not enough for the roots to grow well.

33-04

choked it out

The thorn bushes were so dense that the grain plants could not get enough sunlight to grow well.

33-06

This story confused the disciples

The disciples understood what happened to the seed, but they did not understand what it taught about God.

33-08

do not produce any grain

This could mean do not produce spiritual fruit or do not behave in a way that shows God’s Spirit is working in him.

33-09

produces fruit

This means he does the things that God wants him to do.