Mark 4:13-25
The Lord explains the parable of the Sower to His disciples. This is the starting point of all His teaching (v. 13). Indeed, in order to understand it, the Gospel must first have taken root in the heart.
Even if we are true believers we should take heed because, sometimes, we resemble the first three kinds of ground, for it is not only the good news of salvation which Satan seeks to steal immediately it is sown. How many words has God spoken to us to which our hearts have not been sensitive, because our contacts with the world have hardened us like the wayside (see Mark 6:52). Or has it not often happened that we have acted according to our own feelings, so that the time of trial shows our lack of dependence and faith (cf. v. 17).
In contrast to carelessness, cares are equally harmful (Luke 21:34). With "the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things", they can choke not only the spiritual life of a child of God but also deprive the Lord of the fruit which such a person would have borne in due season (Titus 3:14). "Take heed what ye hear", advises the Lord Jesus (v. 24). In Luke 8:18 we read, "Take heed therefore how ye hear". Yes, how do we receive the divine Word?