When a person hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand, the evil one comes and snatches it away. This is the path-like heart. Rocky ground is a person who hears the words and receives it with joy. But he has no roots, so he falls away when there is hardship because of the words of God. For the thorns, it is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word. For the good soil, it is the one who hears the word and understands it. He bears fruit a hundred, sixty and thirty times what was sown.

What does it mean to hear the word and understand it? It is Jesus who gives us understanding of his words. Jesus opens our eyes and ears and enables us to receive his word. When his word is planted in the good soil of our hearts, he also makes the word grow (1 Cor 3:6-7) so that we are fruitful (Jn 15:5).
Application: Lord Jesus, please help us so that we may hear your word and understand it.
One Word: Hear the word and understand it