This is one the most famous of Jesus' parables. As such we need to beware of a tendency to read it too quickly, thinking that we have heard it all before.
Once again a large crowd had gathered, and Jesus got into a boat so that He could better address the crowd. Jesus used parables to teach the crowds. The "direct" method is not the only way of teaching, and is not always the best way. When speaking to non-believers an indirect approach may often be the most appropriate route to take.
In the parable of the sower the farmer scatters seed. Some falls on the path and is eaten up by the birds, some fell in rocky places. This seed grew quickly, but also died quickly. Other seed fell among thorns and was choked by the thorns when it grew. Finally some seed fell on good soil. This seed produced a crop of varying sizes.
His disciples asked about the parables. First Jesus tells them the reason for using parables, quoting from Isaiah 6:9,10. It might seem as if Jesus is being deliberately awkward, deliberately telling things in a way that will not be understood. However, it is probably better to see it as the parable revealing what is in a man's heart. If someone is rebellious against God then they will not understand.
Next Jesus addresses the disciples, seemingly surprised that they do not understand. Note that He has just said the secret of the kingdom had been given to them. So how did they learn? How did they get this understanding? They asked Jesus and He explained it to them.
Sometimes the word is snatched away immediately by Satan, having no effect on the person. Others initially received the word with joy, but when trouble comes they quickly fall away. Note the implication that trouble will come. For others the worries of life, or the deceitfulness of wealth chokes the word. We need to be on our guard against worry, and being captivated by other things. Even so, there are some in whom the word produces a massive harvest.
Note that Jesus did not give this parable in order to tell us we should only sow on good soil!
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