And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the other parables?”
Christ here gives special importance to this very parable. It seems to become a key for understanding the other parables. Why? Because here the matter concerns the human heart and the receiving of the word of God. If a person does not understand that the whole spiritual life depends on how he receives the word, then he will also have difficulty understanding the other mysteries of the kingdom. Thus, the parable of the sower is foundational. It not only gives one teaching, but also defines the spiritual position of the hearer. This question of Christ is also a gentle rebuke to the disciples, but not in a rejecting way. He wants them to recognize their need for a deeper understanding. In this way the Lord sometimes shows our limitation, so that with greater zeal we may turn to His light.