Jesus Explains the Parable Of the Sower

Luke 8:11-15 "This is what the parable means: the seed is the word of God.  The seeds that fell along the path stand for those who hear; but the Devil comes and takes the message away from their hearts in order to keep them from believing and being saved.  The seeds that fell on rocky ground stand for those who hear the message and receive it gladly.  But it does not sink deep into them; they believe only for a while but when the time of testing comes, they fall away.  The seeds that fell among thorn bushes stand for those who hear; but the worries and riches and pleasures of this life crowd in and choke them, and their fruit never ripens.  The seeds that fell in good soil stand for those who hear the message and retain it in a good and obedient heart, and they persist until they bear fruit."