As Jesus proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom He did not always find a receptive audience. Some listened only to find reasons to accuse Him - Mk 3:2. Jesus therefore began to teach publicly in parables - Mk 4:1-2. In private, He would explain the parables to His disciples - Mk 4:10,33-34. The main reason: many had become "hard of hearing" - Mk 4:11-12; cf. Mt 13:10-15. One of the most well-known parables illustrates the problem Jesus faced. Commonly known as "The Parable Of The Sower". But probably more accurately described as "The Parable Of The Four Soils" told by Jesus to illustrate different reactions to the gospel message. Mark's account of the parable is given in Mk 4:1-20 (please read).
