Luke 8:1-15
As well as the disciples, there were a few devoted women who followed the Lord and who "ministered unto him of their substance". What they did for Him is mentioned after what He did for them (v. 2).
Vv. 4-15 contain the parable of the sower and its explanation. Three things bring about unfruitfulness in the soil: the birds, picture of the devil (v. 12), the rock, picture here of the barren heart, closed to any deep and lasting commitment. Finally the thorns speak to us of the world with all its cares, its riches and its pleasures (v. 14). However the best soil has got to be properly prepared. This can be a painful operation for the soil which has to be broken up, then turned over several times, before it is in a suitable condition for the seed to penetrate and spring up. That is how God works (often through trials) in the conscience of those who will receive His word.
But this preparation does not take place in the first three types of ground. It is useless to plough a path continually trampled down afterwards; it is impossible to plough on the rock. As for the thorns, cultivation is necessary first of all and the roots of the world in a heart often penetrate deep.
Hearing the Word is true of all types of ground, but to keep the Word and to bring forth fruit with patience is only true of the good ground (v. 15).