INTRODUCTION
Jesus ended the parable of the sower by teaching about the seeds that fell into good ground:
But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty (Mt 13: 8, 23).
And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive [it], and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred (Mk 4: 8, 20).
And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience (Lk 8: 8, 15)
CHIEF CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEED THAT FELL ON GOOD GROUND
Jesus taught us that the seed is the word of God and that the soil or ground in the parable refers to the human spirit. He revealed the key characteristics of the spirits in which the word of God would take root and remain as fruit bearers:
- This individual produces fruit. I wrote previously to explain that fruit referred to the evidence of God in the individual as well as other people who would follow the way of the Lord.
- These persons produce increase of thirty, sixty, and one hundred percent.
- They have good and honest hearts
- They hear and keep the word
- and bring forth fruit with patience. This final phrase implies that they are confronted with the same temptations and trials like the others who did not remain. The key to their success was obedience to the word and patience in sufferings
WHAT DOES THE WORD GOOD MEAN?
Jesus used several Greek words to refer to “good” fruit. They are:
- Kalos (G 2570) found in Mt 13: 8, 23 and Mk 4: 8, 20. Kalos is translated to mean “beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy, morally good, noble”.
- Agathos (G 18) is found in Lk 8: 8, 15.
More when I return!! Have a great day.
