In the Gospel of Mark, it appears as if the teachers of the law, the Herodians, and the Pharisees are examples of people who hear the word only to have it taken from them. Whenever they hear Jesus speaking their immediate reaction is to want to destroy him (Mark 3:6, Mark 3:22; Mark 11:18; Mark 14:1). This serves as a warning that Satan, though bound (Mark 3:27), is still a danger to those who hear Jesus’ words indifferently.
16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy.