What Jesus Did! 'Choosing To Be Good Soil' — Matthew 13:23

Saturday, June 26, 2021

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[Jesus concluded his explanation of the parable of the soils:] "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!"
— Matthew 13:23 NLT

Key Thought

While much of the seed in this parable doesn't produce fruit, that which does is wildly productive. The key is the soil's receptivity and fertility. Jesus says this good soil refers to a person's willingness to really listen and the gift of really understanding what he says. When a person really listens and is committed to be good soil, the Spirit gives the gift of understanding (1 Corinthians 2:9-12), and then growth and productivity come about naturally. Jesus' purpose in telling this parable is not only to explain why so many find their walk in Jesus unproductive, but also to drive home the point that each of us is responsible for how we hear his message. We determine our hearts' receptivity. If we want to be good soil, we can be. If our will is to seek after God's truth, we'll find it! God gives his blessing of understanding and productivity to those who diligently seek him in faith.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, please share with me your wisdom so that I may know your truth. Give me understanding that I may live your will. Please forgive me for having been inattentive to your word in the past and unwilling to pay the price to learn your truth. I want to know your truth and be set free to live a productive life in your service. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Colossians 1:9-12
  • 2 Peter 1:5-8
  • Hebrews 11:6

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 13:23 NLT — "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!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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