What does Matthew 13:18 mean?

Speaking to a large crowded gathered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus presented the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3–9). The disciples had asked why Jesus spoke to the crowd in parables (Matthew 13:10). After thoroughly answering that question (Matthew 13:11–17), Jesus now returns to the parable of the sower to explain its meaning to the disciples.

Jesus is willing to explain the parable to His disciples because they are willing to receive His teaching and act on it. This is different from the crowds that followed Him or the Jewish religious leaders. The disciples were uniquely blessed with eyes that could see and ears that could hear the truth Jesus taught them (Matthew 13:16). Jesus has declared their great privilege to know and understand the mysteries many righteous people and prophets in Israel's history longed to know and understand (Hebrews 11:39–40).