Luke 8:1-21  The crowds are gathering around Jesus. They are coming from every direction, seeking to hear Him and to be healed by Him.  As Jesus travels with His twelve apostles, He is also accompanied by a group of women who provide some of the financial support needed.   Luke names Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna.. "and many others", who make up this group.  It appears that Mary, His mother is not yet part of this group, as she turns up later with Jesus' brothers. ( v19)
Jesus says, "My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."  Perhaps this was a gentle ( or not so gentle)  call to His earthly family...???

It is at this point that Jesus begins teaching with parables. When His disciples ask why, Jesus tells them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, in order that 'Seeing they may not see and hearing they may not understand..' "  This is, to me, a difficult statement....  Why would God keep some from seeing or understanding?   These words were spoken to Isaiah from the Heavenly Throne room,  from Almighty God.  He knew that some would receive the Word and that many would not, but He commissioned Isaiah to preach anyway.  Jesus and His disciples would also preach the Word, knowing that some would receive it and many would not.  Jesus makes two statements that are vital to this situation:

"As He said these things, He would call out, 'He who has ears, let him hear." ( v9)
"Therefore take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him shall more be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be take away from him." ( v18)

The parable of the sower does help us to understand a little more:

The Sower goes out to sow the seed.. the Word of God.
Some falls beside the road and is trampled..  Some people hear the Word, but "The devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved." 
Some seeds fall on rocky soil.  Some people hear and are excited about it, but they soon move on to other things.
Some seeds fall on thorny ground.  Some hear the Word, but allow the things of the world to choke it out and nothing comes from it.
But, some of the seeds fall on good soil and produce a good crop.  Some people hear the Word, "these are the ones who have heart the word in an honest and good heart and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance . " 

To be careful of how we listen to the Word, we must be intentional about listening.  God promises us that those who seek Him will find Him, when they seek with all their heart.  It is the good and honest heart that makes a difference here.

The second parable in this chapter explains a bit more.. we don't light a lamp and then cover it up and put it under a bed.  We put it on a lampstand and let it give light to all who come in.  If we have received His Word with anything but a "honest and good heart".. there is no light to shine. It goes out.
Whether from Satan snatching it, rocky soil or thorns choking it, worries and cares or riches and pleasures.. whatever is more important than holding fast the Word,  there will be no light.  But, if we have listened carefully and intentionally.. if we hold fast to it and persevere in it.. then there will be light and fruit will come.  

Father in heaven, we thank You for granting us the opportunity to know the mysteries of Your kingdom.  Thank You for ears to hear and hearts to receive the Truth of Your Word.  May we always listen intentionally, carefully, with good and honest hearts.  May the light of Your Word, the lamp to our feet, shine brightly so that others may also see and hear and understand.  Have mercy on those who have not yet received Your Word, Lord.. that You may become their Lord and Savior also.. to the glory and honor and praise of Your Holy Name.  We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen.