²⁰ The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.

³¹ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before^(A) you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy^(B) for unjust gain.^{(C) 32} Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs^(D) with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.^(E)

³⁵ John was a lamp that burned and gave light,^(A) and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

²⁰ because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man.^(A) When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled^[a]; yet he liked to listen to him.

² Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord^(A) all the years of Jehoiada the priest.

¹⁴ and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.^{(A) 15} Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.