Luke-Parable explained

      Luke 8:9  And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
Luke 8:10  And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.   It is given to who to understand? His disciples, but they needed a teacher. They had Jesus. Now we are his disciples who have the Holy Spirit as our teacher and explainer of God's word.   John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.   Those who are not his disciples, he gives a story to entertain them. To the unsaved, the whole Bible is just a book of stories. They try to tear it apart using one reason after another. To those who are Jesus' disciples, the Bible is God's Holy word.   1 Cor 2:12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1 Cor 2:13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Cor 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Luke 8:11  Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Luke 8:12  Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.   The fowls of the air, are symbolic of the devil. These birds are in the church too, taking away the word.   Luke 13:18  Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
Luke 13:19  It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, andwaxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.   Yes, there are fowls in the professed believers of God's kingdom. False ones that hinder. But we have God's Spirit to discern the truth.
Luke 8:13  They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.   Why go to church? Why study the Bible? To grow roots, to be established. If we only go by feelings, we will never stay put and grow. If we move every time we feel offended? You can't grow roots that way. Maybe God offends you? For he must shape you into his likeness. This may take some heat and pressure. Stay put and allow him to finish you. Roots must go down before fruit grows.   Isa 61:3  To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Luke 8:14  And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.   Many of those who are of the church are at this point. No fruit, unproductive because of the riches or cares or seeking the pleasures of the world. We must learn to be content in our Lord. To trust him and to continue in His word, being faithful and fruitful.
Luke 8:15  But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.   The good heart is tender towards God. The word is planted and they grow roots, bringing forth a harvest in time. Patience is required and faithfulness.   Dan 12:3  And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
All is of God through obeying his Spirit. To be a friend of God is to fellowship with him, to obey his wise counsel and to be enriched, giving him the glory. Amen   Friday night Grace4U2 "Hosanna, Palm Sunday" at 11pm est