Then the disciples came to Him and asked, “Why do You speak to the crowds in parables?”
Jesus replied to them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. [Mark 4:11]
He told them many things in parables, saying, “Listen carefully: a sower went out to sow [seed in his field];
He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words.”
As soon as He was alone, those who were around Him, together with the twelve [disciples], began asking Him about [the interpretation of] the parables.
Now His disciples began asking Him what this parable meant.