As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Matthew 13:23 (ESV)
In Matthew 13:3-9, Jesus told a parable about seed being sown on a field with four distinct types of soil. The parable described the growth of the seed in each of the soil types. Then, in Matthew 13:18-23, Jesus explained the parable to his disciples. The parable described how different people react to hearing the word of God.
Some hear it, but it fails to make any difference. In others, the seed sprouts but withers when trouble comes. And in still others, the seed sprouts but is choked out by the pleasures and pressures of this world.
But the fourth type of soil represents people who hear the word of God and understand it. Understanding the word of God here is more than just an intellectual understanding. It involves applying the word of God in their lives. They are, as James says, doers of the word (Jam. 1:22-25). The word of God puts down deep roots within them and produces an abundant harvest.
The specific fruit that is yielded is not specified here. It is whatever the word of God produces as it grows within us, transforming us into the image of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). It is the fruit of the Spirit at work in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). It is the impact the use of our gifts makes in the lives of other people (1 Cor. 12:7).
Not all faithful followers of Jesus are equally fruitful. But what we have in common is that the word of God bears fruit in our lives. Despite any tribulation or persecution that may come our way. And despite the cares and pleasures of this world that seek to choke it out.
