Jesus' parables concealed truths as well as revealed truths. The disciples were privileged to learn the truths of parables. For other listeners, the parables served as judgements that concealed truths (Isa.6:9)
On occasion, a parable was understood by an outsider but was not accepted, thus still functioning as a message of judgement (Isa.20:9-19). Brief superficial encounters with the Word of God will not stand the times of testing.
In the Parable of the Sower, the seeds which fell on the rock refers to those who, when they hear, they received the word with joy. They had no root, so even though they believed for a while they fell away in time of temptation.
Jesus said some seeds fell among thorns which choked and prevented them from growing. The seeds which fell on good ground sprouted roots, grew to maturity and produced fruit.
Similarly, receiving God's Word depends on the condition of our hearts. If we are receptive to Him, we'll accept the wonderful gift of eternal life. Resisting His Word repeatedly results in a hardened heart and an even more darken soul.
Those whose hearts are hard and will not repent choose only the surface meaning of the message. But those who have tender hearts and are willing to listen, they receive the fullness of what Christ has to offer ( John 2:24-25; Acts 1:24).
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