Four Soils and One Lasting Harvest - Aug. 24th, 2025

Introduction

On a day when Jesus was thronged by “much people” from town after town, He chose to tell a simple farming story with a startling spiritual punch[1][2]. Why is it, we wonder, that the same Word of God can leave one person stone-cold, excite another for a short season, and transform yet another for eternity? Our Lord’s Parable of the Sower addresses this very question. In vivid imagery, Jesus describes a sower scattering seed on four types of soil – but only one ground yields a lasting harvest. He concludes with a urgent call: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8b). In other words, pay attention – the way we receive God’s Word has life-or-death consequences.

Luke 8:4–8 (KJV) – “And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 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.”

Luke 8:4–8 KJV

4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: 5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 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.

This beloved parable is not merely about farming; it is about our hearts. The “seed” represents the Word of God[3], and the soils represent different heart responses among those who hear it. Jesus’ own explanation (Luke 8:11–15) makes the meaning plain: only the heart that truly hears, holds, and obeys God’s Word will bear enduring fruit. In fact, we can summarize the message in one proposition:

Main Proposition: The Word of God bears lasting fruit only in hearts that truly hear, hold, and obey it.

In the verses that follow, our Lord identifies three spiritual conditions (illustrated by four soils) that describe how people respond to God’s truth. This morning, as we walk through each in turn, let’s humbly examine ourselves. Which soil am I? Jesus isn’t interested in mere listeners – He seeks true disciples whose lives will be abundantly fruitful.

(Before we begin, picture the scene: A Galilean farmer strides into his field with a sack of seed. In those days, sowing was done by broadcasting seed by hand in a broad swath[4]. The seeds would land on all kinds of ground – the footpath on the field’s edge, patches of shallow soil on limestone, spots infested with thorn roots, and areas of good fertile earth. The original listeners could see it in their mind’s eye. Now Jesus asks us to see beyond the physical and understand our own hearts.)

I. The Hard Heart – Seed Fallen by the Wayside (Luke 8:5, 12)

Luke 8:5 (KJV) – “A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.” Luke 8:12 (KJV) – “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.”

The first scenario is that of the hard-trodden path – soil so compacted that the seed cannot penetrate. In Jesus’ day, fields were bordered by footpaths where many feet had packed the dirt down like concrete[5]. When the farmer scattered his seed, “some fell by the way side”and just lay on the surface. It never sank in. Soon people walking along trampled those seeds underfoot. Any remaining seed became easy pickings for the birds, which swooped down and gobbled it up. In plain terms, nothing grew. The seed was wasted on the hard path.

Our Lord explains that this depicts the hard heart of the unresponsive hearer. “Those by the way side are they that hear” – yes, they physicallyhear the message of God’s Word – “then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” (v.12). The seed never penetrates; it never even begins to germinate in the soul. Like a bird snatching seed, Satan works to steal away the Word before it can take root at all[6]. The devil uses various means – distractions in the moment, lies and false arguments later – anything to keep the truth from ever sinking in[7]. Have you ever left a church service and immediately couldn’t recall what was preached? Such memory loss might be more than natural – “Satan is always active when the Word of God is being preached”, eager to “catch away” the Word from the careless heart[8].

A. The Tragedy of the Unreceptive Heart

(Exposition & Theology)

Jesus is showing us a person with an unreceptive, spiritually hard heart. This individual might be present in body, hearing the sermon or reading the Bible, yet not one bit of it actually sinks in. Jesus says this happens “lest they should believe and be saved”. In other words, until the Word truly penetrates, they cannot believe it in a saving way. How sobering – the fault is not in the seed at all (God’s Word is living and powerful!), but in the hardness of the soil. The Gospel bounces off such a person like a rubber ball off a brick wall.

What makes a heart so hard toward God? Often it’s a result of persistent sin, pride, or years of resisting the Holy Spirit. Just as many feet trod the ancient pathways, many worldly thoughts, habits, and demonic lies have trodden down this heart. Hebrews 3:13 warns that sin deceives us and hardens us. Over time, a person can become “past feeling,” with a calloused conscience. The Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day were like this – having heard countless Scriptures, yet their hearts had “waxed gross” (grown dull and thick)[9]. They shut their eyes and ears to Jesus (Matthew 13:15). As a result, they could not understand or believe, despite witnessing miracles and hearing the very Son of God teach.

The imagery of the bird – “the fowls of the air devoured it” – is explicitly linked to “the wicked one” (Satan) in Matthew’s parallel account (Matt. 13:19) and “the devil” here in Luke 8:12. Make no mistake: whenever God’s Word is proclaimed, spiritual warfare is afoot. The enemy of souls lurks, eager to distract minds, distort truth, or dull the heart so that the message disappears. How many times has someone under conviction stepped out of a church service only to be immediately engrossed by trivial matters – the bird snatching the seed! The devil will use any means necessary – pride (“This doesn’t apply to me”), unbelief (“This is nonsense”), procrastination (“Maybe later”), or interruptions – “lest they should believe and be saved”[7].

We see, then, that the wayside hearer represents anyone who hears the gospel without the slightest penetration. They might be uninterested, dismissive, or even hostile. The result is the same: the Word makes no impact. No repentance, no faith, no life. This is tragic – but Jesus included it as a warning and a challenge to all of us.

B. “Take Heed Lest You Harden Your Hearts”

(Illustration & Application)

Picture a seed bouncing on a pavement – a passing bird quickly pecks it away. That’s the image Jesus gives. I think of Pharaoh in the Old Testament, who repeatedly hardened his heart despite witnessing God’s signs. Each refusal made his heart a little more like that trodden path, until finally even the death of the firstborn didn’t move him to true repentance. Or consider a modern example: a person sits through church services year after year, hearing altar calls, Scriptures, pleas to trust Christ – yet remains unmoved. Perhaps they’ve grown cynical or simply indifferent. With each sermon they ignore, their heart’s soil gets a bit more compacted. Eventually, nothing short of Holy Spirit jackhammering can break it.

God, however, can break the hardest heart – but we must respond while we still can feel conviction. The Lord pleads in Jeremiah 4:3, “Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.” Fallow ground is uncultivated, hardened soil. The only hope for a hard heart is Holy Spirit conviction coupled with our humble repentance – essentially, taking a plow to that calloused heart. Hosea 10:12 similarly urges us, “Break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you.” We break up the soil by repentance, and God sends the rain of grace to soften us.

So, what about us? Is it possible that I have a hard heart? Perhaps you attend church out of habit or family tradition, but the Word never seems to “stick.” Do you find yourself dismissing conviction, tuning out the sermon, or thinking only of others’ faults when Scripture is preached? Beware – you may be the hardened path. Hebrews 4:7 says, “To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” The opportunity to receive God’s truth may not always be there. Every time we resist the Word, a new layer of callous forms. Eventually, we risk crossing a line where we no longer hear God speaking at all.

If you fear your heart has been hard, there is hope. God in His mercy can till your soil. Pray for a tender heart. Confess and forsake known sin that’s been dulling your conscience. Remove the “traffic” that’s packing down your soul – perhaps ungodly influences or stubborn pride. And above all, decide to actively listen when God’s Word comes. Don’t let the devil steal the seed this time! Even right now, God’s Word is being scattered in your hearing – will you let it sit idle for Satan’s snatching, or will you reach out and receive it?

(Transition: Sadly, not all who avoid the hardness of outright unbelief go on to bear fruit. Jesus next describes two other heart-responses – more promising at first, but ultimately just as barren. These are the shallow heart and the crowded heart, different in detail but alike in outcome: no lasting fruit. Let’s examine the second major movement of the parable:)

II. The Shallow and Divided Heart – Seed That Springs Up Only to Wither or Be Choked (Luke 8:6–7, 13–14)

Luke 8:6 (KJV) – “And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.” Luke 8:7 (KJV) – “And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.” Luke 8:13 (KJV) – “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” Luke 8:14 (KJV) – “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.”

In this middle portion of the parable, Jesus actually gives two pictures of a heart that responds to God’s Word initially, but still fails to bear any fruit to maturity. We can group them together as the “almost” responses – almost growing, almost thriving – yet ultimately fruitless. These are the shallow heart (rocky ground) and the divided heart(thorny ground). Both represent people who make a start with God’s Wordbut do not last. One withers away quickly under trials; the other is suffocated slowly by worldly distractions. In both cases, there may be a green blade of profession, but there is no enduring grain of possession. As the old saying goes: “All foliage, no fruit.”

Let’s consider each sub-image in turn, as Jesus explains them:

A. The Superficial Response – No Root in Rocky Ground

In verse 6 we read that “some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.” This doesn’t refer to seed landing on a big boulder (that seed would never sprout at all). Rather, as Jesus’ hearers knew, much of Palestine has limestone bedrock lying just under a thin layer of topsoil. A seed falling on such ground will initially germinate – the warmth of the sun on the thin soil can make it sprout quickly. But because solid rock lies a few inches down, the young plant’s roots cannot sink deep to find water. It “lacked moisture,” so under the hot sun it “withered away.” What began with promise ends in pathetic failure – a shriveled stalk on dry, cracked ground[10][11].

Jesus explains that this depicts those who hear the Word and initially respond with great enthusiasm, but their commitment is only skin-deep. “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy.”Notice, these people are not indifferent – they welcome the message at first. Perhaps they have an emotional experience – tears of joy, excitement, zealous resolutions. It looks promising! “These have no root,”though. There is no deep conviction or lasting commitment underlying the emotion. For a short time, they “believe” – that is, they profess faith or start to follow – “for a while.” But as soon as a season of testing comes, they fall away (v.13). The Greek term here means to withdraw, to desert[12]. In modern terms, they drop out. The pressure of persecution, or the burn of hardship, causes them to wilt spiritually. What little faith they seemed to have cannot survive the heat of reality.

How often we see this! Perhaps someone hears the gospel and responds eagerly at a rally or revival meeting. They seem overjoyed to be saved. But weeks later, when their family mocks their “religion” or when trials hit – sickness, job loss, criticism – their joy evaporates. They disappear from church, abandoning the faith they once claimed. John had such people in mind when he wrote, “They went out from us, but they were not of us” (1 John 2:19). In Jesus’ day, many in the crowds followed Him happily while He healed and fed them, but when He spoke of the cost of discipleship, “many went back, and walked no more with Him” (John 6:66). They were fair-weather followers – quick to sprout, quick to scorch.

Theologically, we learn that initial acceptance of the Word, or even a temporary belief, is not enough. True faith in Christ is proved genuine by perseverance. As James says, the one who “endures temptation” is blessed (James 1:12). A faith that withers in trial was not saving faith at all, but merely a shallow assent. In Luke’s parallel, note Jesus’ wording: “which for a while believe”[13] – only Luke among the Gospels phrases it that way. This suggests that from the human perspective they did believe in some sense, but not unto eternal life. It was belief without endurance, which Scripture equates with emptiness. First John 2:19 implies that if they had been truly of Christ, they would have continued.

Now, some interpret the rocky-ground people as true Christians who lose their zeal. Others see them as never truly born again. Regardless, Jesus’ emphasis is that there was no fruit – thus no fulfillment of God’s saving work. As one commentator says, “They just quit serving God. They lack root, character, and the grit to endure.”[12]From heaven’s view, either outcome is tragic: a life that bears no enduring fruit for God’s glory.

Illustration: Perhaps you’ve seen shallow-soil plants. In a shallow dish of soil, grass will sprout up bright green after watering – but leave it under a hot sun for a day, and it wilts to nothing. I’m reminded of a story from an evangelist: After a crusade, someone told him, “That man over there got religion last night, but he’s already drunk at the bar today.” The evangelist wisely replied, “If he’s drunk again so soon, then all he got was religion – he clearly didn’t get Christ.” In other words, emotional spurts or external motions are meaningless without a heart transformed. The only lasting convert is the one Jesus truly converts! Early joy must be followed by endurance.

How can we apply this? Depth with God’s Word is essential. Colossians 2:7 says we must be “rooted and built up in [Christ].” We need roots that go down deep. This means we must do more than shout “Hallelujah!” one day and disappear the next. Count the cost of following Jesus. Shallow hearts want the blessing of the Word but not the burden of obedience. When Christianity became inconvenient, they fell away. So ask: Do I have spiritual depth? Am I only following Christ in fair weather? When trials or persecutions come – and they will come – will I wither or stand firm? The Book of James teaches that trials actually prove our faith, producing patience (James 1:2-4). True faith, like a well-rooted tree, endures the storm.

If you recognize a shallowness in yourself – maybe you respond to sermons emotionally but don’t carry it out in practice – seek the Lord for deeper roots. How? Dig into His Word daily, not just for the thrill of a moment but for sustained growth. Commit in advance that come what may, you will follow Jesus. Develop a life of prayer that sends taproots into God’s grace. And importantly, don’t flee when tribulations strike. Instead, let those hardships drive your roots deeper into the promises of God. Remember, a faith that fizzles at the finish had a flaw from the first. Ensure your faith rests not on feelings but on the person of Christ and His unchanging Word.

B. The Distracted Response – No Room in Thorny Ground

The third soil type is different in cause but similar in effect. Some seed fell “among thorns” – that is, thorn bushes or weeds. Here the seed actually finds soil and germinates. It even grows alongside other plants. But unfortunately, those “other plants” are thorn weeds – hardy, invasive, unwanted growth. Verse 7 says the thorns “sprang up with it, and choked it.”Anyone who has gardened understands this picture. Weeds steal sunlight, drink up the water, hog the soil’s nutrients, and eventually strangle the useful plant. The stalk of grain might keep growing for a while, but it becomes stunted, sickly, and never produces a crop. It’s green on the outside but fruitless – effectively suffocated by its environment.

Jesus interprets: “That which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth” – meaning they proceed to live their life as professing believers – “and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (v.14). Here we see a key phrase: “bring no fruit to perfection.” The plant grew some, but it never matures to harvest. It yields nothing usable to the farmer. Spiritually, this describes people who make a start with God’s Word and perhaps continue for quite some time – unlike the rocky soil, they don’t drop out immediately. You might see them in church for years. Outwardly, they haven’t “fallen away.” Yet something is deeply wrong: there is no evident fruit of Christlikeness or kingdom impact in their lives. Why? Jesus pinpoints the culprit: worldly entanglements have wrapped around their heart, choking out the Word’s influence. He lists three in particular – “cares,” “riches,” and “pleasures of this life.” These represent the whole range of worldly preoccupations:

“Cares” are the worries and anxieties of life – the burdens about jobs, health, family, etc., that can consume our mental energy. We all have cares, but when those cares dominate us, we lose focus on God’s Word (cf. Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus warns against being consumed by worry).

“Riches” refers to wealth and material possessions – the pursuit of money and what it buys. “The deceitfulness of riches,” Matthew’s Gospel adds, can choke the Word (Matt. 13:22). How deceitful? Riches promise security and happiness, making us falsely believe we don’t need to depend on God. A heart preoccupied with making a fortune or maintaining an affluent lifestyle will gradually crowd out devotion to God. You cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13).

“Pleasures of this life” covers the pursuit of entertainment, comfort, and sensual enjoyments. The Greek word is hedonon, from which we get hedonism[14] – living for self-indulgent pleasure. Not all pleasures are sinful, of course – God gives us things richly to enjoy in their place. But a life devoted to chasing the next fun experience, the next comfort, the next high, leaves little room for self-denial or spiritual discipline. Like creeping vines, these desires wrap around the soul.

The common factor is that these people are “over-committed” – both to God’s Word and to other things[15]. They have divided hearts. Jesus said “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The thorny-ground hearer is trying to look both directions – toward God and toward the world’s offerings. The result is that the Word of God gets crowded to the margins of their life. Church and Scripture become just another voice among many, gradually drowned out by the noise of worldly pursuits.

Tragically, Jesus says such a person “brings no fruit to perfection.” There may have been signs of life – maybe moral improvement, maybe church involvement – but in the end, nothing eternal comes of it. No soul-winning, no growth in holiness, no true impact for Christ’s kingdom. Like a fruit tree that yields only leaves, their profession of faith, though perhaps long-lived, is functionally barren. We recall that Jesus cursed a fig tree that had leaves but no figs (Mark 11:13-14) – a sobering picture of what God thinks of empty profession. James would call it a “dead” faith (James 2:17).

Illustration: I once heard an illustration about how certain jungle vines can kill a strong tree. The vine begins as a tiny tendril at the base, almost unnoticed. But as it grows, it wraps around the trunk, spiraling upward. Over time it spreads to the branches, covering the tree like a net. If you could see inside, the vine is sapping the tree’s moisture and nutrients. Eventually, the tree, though still standing, is essentially dead, choked by the vine that now completely encases it. Similarly, a heart that allows the tendrils of worldly cares, wealth, and pleasures to grow unchecked will find spiritual life strangled.

Think of biblical examples: Demas was a co-laborer with Paul for a time, but later Paul writes with sadness, “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10). Love for the world’s comforts choked out Demas’s fruitfulness. The rich young ruler initially showed interest in Jesus, but when told to give up his riches, he went away sorrowful – thorns of wealth had a grip on him. Jesus told the story of a great banquet (Luke 14:16-24) where those invited gave excuses – one had a new field (possessions), another new oxen (work), another a new wife (pleasure) – and so they refused the invitation. Worldly concerns kept them from the feast, symbolizing the kingdom of God. How many today miss out on spiritual growth because they are “entangled with the affairs of this life” (2 Tim. 2:4)?

C. “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God”

(Warning & Application)

The thorny soil warns us that divided devotion will destroy spiritual fruit.We cannot successfully grow God’s Word in a heart full of idols. If we sow among thorns, as Jeremiah said, we won’t see a harvest. We must do some weeding. James 1:21 instructs, “lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word.” In other words, we have to pull the weeds of sin and worldly excess in order to humbly receive God’s Word. First Peter 2:1-2 likewise says to cast aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander “that ye may grow thereby” on the pure milk of the Word.

Friends, are there thorns in your life choking your walk with God? It may be cares– an all-consuming worry that keeps you from trusting God’s promises. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7) is the antidote. It might be riches – an obsession with career advancement or material success. Remember Jesus’ sobering question: “What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). We brought nothing into this world and can carry nothing out. Don’t let greed for money rob you of true riches in Christ. Or it could be pleasures – the endless pursuit of entertainment, hobbies, or even relationships that, while not wrong in themselves, are occupying the throne of your heart. God isn’t against our joy – but He knows that if we live for pleasure more than for Him, we’ll end up with no real joy or fruit at all. Make a choice: Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33). If we put God first, He will ensure we have what we need in proper order.

This point is especially relevant in our modern culture. We are so easily distracted. We live in an age of endless information, entertainment at our fingertips, constant activity. It’s been said that if the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy – so busy that spiritual things get crowded out. We must consciously declutter our hearts. Pull out the overgrown weeds – maybe by cutting back on screen time to make time for Scripture, or reining in the pursuit of the next purchase to invest more in God’s work. Remove whatever “chokes” your spiritual life. Sometimes that might mean making hard choices – ending an unhealthy relationship, stepping away from an overly time-consuming (but trivial) hobby, or simplifying your lifestyle so you can focus on family and ministry. Jesus said in John 15:2 that every branch in Him that bears fruit, the Father prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Pruning is not pleasant – but if we let God trim away the excess, we’ll be far more fruitful.

It is possible someone hearing this realizes: “I am that thorny-ground person. I’ve believed for years, but truth be told, I have little to show for it. My life is spiritually barren because I’ve been chasing other things alongside God.” If so, take heart. Jesus doesn’t share this to condemn but to awaken. Unlike a plant, you have a will – you can repent and cry out, “Lord, weed my heart’s garden. Uproot these idols and reign supreme in me.” The thorns can be torn out by the Spade of Scripture and the power of the Spirit. It’s not too late for a distracted disciple to become a devoted disciple! But you must act decisively. Don’t be the rich young ruler who walks away sad; be Zacchaeus, who joyfully surrendered his riches and found salvation. Don’t be Demas, who loved the world; be Paul, who said, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil. 3:8). Make Christ your clear priority. Only then will you bear fruit to His glory.

(Transition: We have looked at two tragic outcomes: one, the Word never penetrates (the hard heart); two, it penetrates and starts to grow but never yields fruit (the shallow and thorny hearts). Now Jesus presents the final scenario – thank God, a positive one – which shows the ideal heart response He desires. This is where the seed of the Word not only grows but thrives and multiplies. What sets this soil apart? Let’s see:)

III. The Fruitful Heart – Seed That Yields a Bountiful Harvest (Luke 8:8, 15)

Luke 8:8 (KJV) – “And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold.” Luke 8:15 (KJV) – “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.”

At last we come to the good soil – the fertile, receptive heart that truly welcomes God’s Word. In the parable’s imagery, some seed fell on rich, well-prepared earth. It wasn’t hard-packed; it wasn’t thinly covered rock; it wasn’t filled with weed roots. It was plowed and ready. The seed “sprang up” – healthy and strong – and kept growing until it “bare fruit an hundredfold.” Imagine a hundredfold return – one tiny seed yielding a hundredfold grain kernels at harvest! Jesus chose the upper end – a hundred times – to emphasize the abundant productivity of this soil. In that day, even a tenfold harvest was decent, thirtyfold was remarkable. A hundredfold was almost miraculous (cf. Isaac reaping a hundredfold by God’s blessing in Genesis 26:12). The point is: when the Word truly takes root in a ready heart, the results are exponentially fruitful. God’s Word will accomplish that for which He sends it (Isaiah 55:10–11), when it falls on the right kind of heart.

Jesus defines the “good ground” by describing the heart that corresponds to it. He says it is “an honest and good heart” that hears the word and “keeps it,” and bears fruit “with patience.”Let’s unpack that:

“An honest and good heart” – The words in Greek (καλῇ κἀγαθῇ καρδίᾳ) carry the sense of a noble, upright, well-intentioned heart[16]. This doesn’t mean that some people are inherently good and save themselves – no one is truly good but God (Luke 18:19). Rather, it indicates a heart that is sincere and open toward God, as opposed to being hard, shallow, or divided. One commentator notes that Jesus here emphasizes character: the kind of person who will persevere[17]. In other words, this heart is honest – willing to face the truth about itself, not playing games with God’s Word – and good in the sense of wanting what is right, eager to please God. We might simply call it a receptive, responsive heart. In humility, this heart has been plowed by repentance. Hosea 10:12’s command to “break up your fallow ground” has been heeded in this life – pride and pretense have been broken up to create furrows where gospel seed can lodge. Luke’s wording “honest and good” might also hint that this heart is undivided (honest, not hypocritical) and devoted to the good (truly seeking God). It contrasts sharply with the others: it’s not hard and unreceptive, not shallow and emotional only, not thorny and double-minded. It is wholehearted.

“Having heard the word, keep it” – Here is the critical difference: this heart holds onto the Word! The verb “keep” (κατέχω) means to hold fast, to retain firmly. Unlike the hard heart that lets the Word bounce off, the good heart grabs the seed and buries it deep. Unlike the rocky heart that has no root, this heart lets the Word sink roots into every part of life. Unlike the thorny heart that lets the Word get crowded out, this heart guards the Word’s place and gives it priority. Simply put, this hearer not only listens to the Word but accepts it fully (Mark’s account says “accept it,” Mark 4:20) – welcoming its authority, embracing its truth. They treasure God’s Word in their heart like the psalmist in Psalm 119: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” They are like Mary, who “kept all these sayings in her heart” (Luke 2:51). This is active obedience. Jesus defined true kinship with Him as “those who hear the word of God, and do it” (Luke 8:21). The good soil person is not a forgetful hearer but a faithful doer (James 1:22-25). They hold on to the Word through all seasons – they let it shape their worldview, their decisions, their lifestyle. The Word, in turn, holds them – anchoring them through trials and guiding them through temptations.

“Bring forth fruit with patience” – Patience here means endurance or perseverance. This is beautiful: the fruit does not pop out overnight. This heart yields a crop over time, through seasons of sun and storm alike. In contrast to the flash-in-the-pan hearer who has a burst of growth and then dies off, the good heart keeps going and growing. True fruitfulness in the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience – steadfast continuance. Galatians 6:9 encourages, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” The fruitful Christian keeps cultivating, watering, and weeding – and God gives the increase in due time. Notice also that the fruit is abundant – “a hundredfold” – and mature (fruit “to perfection,” v.14 contrasts with “no fruit to perfection”). This implies quality and quantity of spiritual fruit glorifying God.

What is the “fruit” that God is looking for in our lives? It can be summed up as Christlikeness of life and influence. It is internal– the development of a Christlike character, the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) like love, joy, peace, patience, etc. It is also external– our good works and witness that impact others (Colossians 1:10 speaks of being “fruitful in every good work”). Romans 1:13 even uses “fruit” to describe converts won to Christ. So a fruitful Christian is growing in personal holiness and helping expand God’s kingdom by influencing others for Jesus – whether through evangelism, discipleship, or acts of service that glorify God (Matthew 5:16). Ultimately, all genuine fruit comes from abiding in Christ. Jesus said, “He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing… Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples” (John 15:5,8). Thus fruitfulness is the hallmark of true discipleship and the evidence of saving faith (cf. Matthew 7:16-20 – “By their fruits ye shall know them”).

A. The Picture of a Fruitful Heart

(Illustration & Encouragement)

Perhaps you know someone who exemplifies this “good ground” heart. I think of a saint who has walked with Christ for decades, weathered many trials, but whose life abounds in testimonies of God’s faithfulness. There’s a sweetness of spirit, a depth of insight, a trail of influenced lives behind them. Such a person didn’t get that way by accident – it came from consistently hearing and obeying God’s Word through the years. Every day they watered the seed by prayer, pulled the weeds of sin by repentance, and let the roots of truth go deeper by meditation. Over time – perhaps almost imperceptibly at first – the fruit began to appear: victory over old sins, a transformation in habits, children brought to Christ, converts won from witnessing, ministries launched, people helped, wisdom shared. By the end of the race, their “hundredfold” might include spiritual children and grandchildren! This is the normal Christian life as God intends it. Not all will yield the same amount (Matthew’s version mentions some thirty, some sixty, some a hundredfold), but all true believers will yield some fruit – and the potential in a fully yielded life is astounding.

Think of the Samaritan woman in John 4 – one encounter with Jesus turned her into a witness that led her whole town out to meet the Savior (a quick firstfruits!). Or consider the Apostle Peter – initially impulsive (rocky soil tendencies perhaps), but ultimately, by holding fast to Christ, he preached and 3,000 were saved at Pentecost – a mighty harvest. Even more, he bore the fruit of courage and faithfulness unto martyrdom. Consider also that one seed can lead to a tree that produces thousands of seeds in its lifetime. The multiplying power of God’s Word in a receptive heart is incredible. Many of history’s revivals and movements began with one person who fully yielded to God’s Word – and the impact spread hundredfold. D.L. Moody once heard someone say, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” Moody resolved, “By God’s help, I aim to be that man.” God used Moody to shake two continents for Christ – fruit abounding. How much more could God do with any heart that is fully His!

B. Cultivating a Good and Noble Heart

(Application)

The obvious question for us is: How can I be this “good soil” hearer? If by God’s grace you are a believer, you want to be as fruitful as possible for His glory. Jesus gives the clues: honesty, receptivity, perseverance. Start with honesty before God – no more playing church or hiding sin. Come to God in prayer and ask Him to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). Be willing to call sin sin, to acknowledge your need. A “noble and good” heart is a humble heart. Next, actively receive and retain God’s Word. This means prioritizing the Word – reading it daily, hearing it taught, but more than that, meditating on it and applying it. When you read Scripture, ask, “What is God saying to me? What needs to change?” Then do it. Jesus said the wise man is the one who hears His words and puts them into practice*** – that life is like a house on rock (Luke 6:47-48). Make concrete plans to obey what you learn. And when you stumble, repent quickly and get back to obedience.

Furthermore, guard the Word’s place in your life. Protect your devotional time; don’t let lesser things elbow it out. Pull the weeds we discussed earlier on a regular basis – we all have to continually repent of creeping worldliness. Also, cultivate deep roots by enduring trials with faith. When hardships come, instead of falling away, cling tighter to God’s promises. Trials, when met with trust, will only increase your fruit (it’s often in suffering that we grow the most in character and our testimony shines brightest). “With patience” – keep on keeping on. There will be dry seasons, but don’t give up sowing the Word into your heart. “In due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Lastly, notice that even the good soil did not produce fruit instantly. It took time and the blessing of God (sunshine and rain). So be patient with yourself as God works in you. Philippians 1:6 encourages us that “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” God is the Master Gardener. If you yield to Him, He will faithfully tend your soul and gradually make it fruitful. John 15:5 reminds us that our job is to abide in Christ – maintain that living communion – and He will cause us to bear much fruit.

The beauty of the fruitful heart is ultimately what God does with a life fully surrendered to His Word. And oh, how the Lord deserves a fruitful life from us! Considering all Christ has done – His blood shed to redeem us – the least we can do is say, “Lord, here is my heart; plow it, plant it, prune it – do whatever You will, just make me fruitful for You.” And He will. “Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (John 15:8). A fruitful life brings glory to God and great joy to the believer as well – “Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24). There’s no greater joy than knowing your life counts for eternity.

Conclusion

Our Lord’s parable beckons each of us to examine our heart’s response to God’s Word. We have seen the hard heart, where the seed finds no footing at all – the Word heard but never heeded. We’ve seen the shallow, impulsive heart that flares up with temporary excitement, only to wither when following Christ brings difficulty. We’ve seen the divided, crowded heart that tries to have the best of both God and the world, resulting in a strangled, fruitless spirituality. And finally, we have beheld the honest and good heart – the heart that fully welcomes the Word, holds onto it through thick and thin, and steadily produces the fruits of righteousness and faith. How crucial it is that we aspire to be that good soil! By God’s grace, a hard heart can be broken and made soft, a shallow heart can be deepened, a thorny heart can be weeded – if we will surrender to the Gardener of our souls.

The difference in each outcome was never the seed – the Word of God is the same powerful gospel in each case. The difference was in the soil. That means the responsibility rests on the hearer. Jesus opened and closed the parable with that admonition: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” It’s a call to respond, to take to heart what we’ve heard. Dear listener, how will you respond? Will you allow the truth you’ve heard today to penetrate, or will it be snatched away by lunchtime distractions? Will you carry it with you into Monday, determined to let it take root and change you, or will it remain a shallow Sunday emotion? Will you repent of those worldly weeds and give God’s Word first place, or slip back into the same chokehold of material cares and pleasures? The choice is ours. God is ready to help us – His Holy Spirit stands by with spade and water can in hand – but we must invite Him to cultivate our hearts.

Jesus’ main point can be distilled into one simple charge: Be the kind of hearer in whom God’s Word thrives. Yield yourself to the Word, and it will yield a harvest in you. Remember, the fault never lies with the seed; it lies with the soil. As we yield our hearts to Christ, He can transform even a once-hardened or neglected plot into fertile ground. He can truly make beauty from ashes and turn desolate hearts into gardens of grace.

Let us each take up the prayer, “Lord, make my heart good ground for Your Word. Plow what needs plowing, uproot what needs uprooting, water what is dry – I am listening and willing. Plant Your truth deep in me, and let my life bear the fruit that brings You glory.” God delights to answer such a prayer.

In summary, Jesus teaches that it is not the seed or the sower that ultimately determines the outcome, but the hearer’s heart. May we not be hearers only, deceiving ourselves, but doers of the Word (James 1:22). If we truly hear, hold, and obey God’s Word, our lives will be fruitful – some thirty, some sixty, some a hundredfold – all to the praise of His name.

The heart that truly hears God’s Word will patiently bear a harvest no drought, devil, or distraction can destroy.[18]

(Invitation: As we bow our heads now, I invite you to respond to God’s Word. This is not the time to check out – this is the most important hearing, the moment of decision. Perhaps as you’ve listened, God has shown you the true condition of your heart. Be honest with the Lord right now. If you see a hard heart – maybe you’ve never truly opened up to Jesus and the gospel – don’t let Satan snatch the seed away this time. Even today, you can cry out, “Lord, I believe! Save me!” The Word of the cross – that Jesus died for your sins and rose again – has been sown in your hearing. Will you receive it by faith? “Lest they should believe and be saved,”Jesus said – oh, friend, do not let the devil steal your opportunity to be saved. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved! Our pastors and prayer counselors are here – as we sing in a moment, you come and publicly confess Christ, or catch one of us after the service – but do business with God now.

Maybe you realize you’ve been a shallow-ground Christian. You started with joy but you’ve grown cold when troubles hit. Or maybe you’ve never really surrendered – you’ve just coasted on emotion. You can tell your roots in God’s Word are weak. Ask the Lord right now to forgive your wavering and deepen your resolve. “Lord, strengthen my faith. Give me roots. I recommit myself to follow You, even through trials.” He will answer that prayer and hold you fast.

Or perhaps you see the thorny weeds in your life. Cares have worried you sick; money and career have consumed your attention; or pleasures and distractions have edged out God. You haven’t borne fruit because your heart’s nutrients are all being devoured by worldly pursuits. The Lord in His love has pointed this out – not to shame you, but to call you back. Won’t you respond, “Lord, I repent of putting other things above You. Uproot my idols – I yield them. Help me to seek You first.” Lay that specific care or riches or pleasure on the altar. Jesus is ready to set you free from entanglement. You cannot imagine the fruit He will bear in you once He has first place.

Finally, many of you are striving to be good soil – take courage and continue on with patience. Ask God for the strength to persevere and keep His Word. Your harvest is coming – don’t faint. Pray for even more fruitfulness: “Lord, use me to lead others to You; let my character reflect Christ more and more.” He will prune and water you for even greater abundance.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your living Word. Thank You for scattering the gospel seed in our lives. Forgive us for the times our hearts have been hard, shallow, or divided. Today we surrender our hearts anew to You. Plow up the fallow ground. Plant Your Word deep within us. By Your Spirit, help us to hear diligently, hold firmly, and obey fully. We desire to bear fruit that remains – fruit that will bring You glory and point others to Jesus. Let no devil, no trial, no worldly thing rob us of that blessing. Make our church a field of good soil – a vineyard that yields a rich crop for Your harvest. We ask this in Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.)*[19]

[1] [2] [3] The Sower and His Bible PDF.pdf

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iUKyWCrHkQm2KJX-81NPf-VHGLWmCzd2

[4] [5] [6] [7] [10] [11] [12] [14] 42-Luke.docx

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17Cvq701mSFt6lMoXuAvm4DsAiB9Zhbvw

[8] [9] [15] [19] Parables_#04.docx

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F_QyE4sqZV-5A-Sg8C0efahpNmkMXH01

[13] [16] [17] [18] Gaebelein, EBC, Vol. 8.4_Luke.docx

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BPyHfnm7VB_hrAAtKK2QyWcnoixrOchs