At the end of telling the parable of the Sower Jesus said to the crowds, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear".  It was a way of saying that there is a message hidden in the story and they could find out what it meant.  It was like a riddle.  The meaning could only be uncovered by people who wanted to know.  Many people hear the Scriptures but have no interest at all in finding out how it applies to them.  But those who do are greatly rewarded.  Proverbs 2:1-5 says, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding – indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."  Or, as Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)  Truth is available but only those who want it will find it.

Later, Jesus was alone with His disciples and a group of close followers, who were obviously asking about the meaning of the parable.  He explained it simply.  That was not just to satisfy their curiosity but to unpack His method of teaching the crowds.  He was really teaching His trainee apostles how to develop a hunger to understand divine principles.  There was no point in them following Him if they did not want to understand the principles of God's kingdom.  Therefore, Jesus explained the meaning to His disciples when they were away from the crowds (Mark 4:10).  

Deafness can be a big problem.  It gets in the way of relationship, confuses business and prevents critical warnings that could save our lives.  Spiritually, the same is true.  In an age of multiple digital TV and internet channels, we all have to choose where we will tune in.  Jesus knew that His hearers weren't on the right wavelength and even the disciples didn't get it (Matthew 8:26).  Information, by itself, provides no answer or solution - indeed the plethora of online data often just causes confusion.  If we are to understand a proposal or analyse an account, we need to focus on it exclusively.  Even then we may need assistance.  In spiritual matters, we always need help!  No matter how novice or experienced a Christian, we cannot know the mind of God unless God Himself explains what He means (John 14:26).

That was the task of Jesus to His trainee apostles.  Today, it is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives - to explain the mind of Christ, so that we can serve Him productively.  Do not be surprised if family, friends and colleagues cannot understand what is so obvious to you: they too need the Spirit of God to speak to them, explaining what Jesus is saying. And it is a good prayer to ask God that He will do just that.