Scripture

“The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.”

Observation

People’s failure to understand Jesus is a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Their hearts are hard, their ears cannot hear, nor their eyes see.

Jesus goes on to explain that the seeds in the parable represent people and their response to the gospel. Some have hard hearts and so the seed is quickly stolen by the devil. Some hear the message, but their acceptance of it lasts only a short time until problems come. Others are choked off by the cares of the world.

The seed that falls in good soil produces a great harvest of thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was planted.

Application

Jesus expects us to be fruitful in the Kingdom.

If we read this parable with a legalistic or religious mindset, we might get discouraged. I haven’t knowingly led thirty people to the Lord, let alone a hundred. Most devout, committed christians haven’t either.

The point is that God call us to be productive in the Kingdom. Our faith in him produces a heart that is inclined to serve the Kingdom of God rather than just being self-centred.

Again, this is not about counting returns on God’s investment. We don’t have to worry about not making the grade because this is not about producing results that we can measure.

This parable is about walking faithfully and obediently with God, letting Him produce a harvest in our lives.

Prayer

Thank you Lord that you love me enough to die for me. May I show my faith by dedicating all of my life to you. Amen.