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The Fourth and Final Perspective

Text: Matthew 13 : 1 - 23

The first three perspectives Jesus gave must have given the disciples much food for thought. They would not now dare to take for granted their faith. They would certainly pay greater attention to the word that they were being taught by Jesus!

The first three insights were somber and humbling. However, they were all negative views. Wasn’t there a brighter side somewhere? There was! Jesus saved the best for the last.

“But he who received seed on the good ground
is he who hears the word and understands it,
who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold,
some sixty, some thirty.”
MATTHEW 13:23

“The good ground…”

There was such a thing as “good ground”! Not all hearts need to be categorized as “wayside”, “stony”, or “thorny”. How refreshing this thought must have sounded in the ears of the genuine disciples!

How may the heart become “good ground”? Let us consider the following possibilities. These suggestions are made with reference to the three types of grounds mentioned previously.

1. Rake hardened ground

Wayside ground is essentially hardened soil. Every effort must be made to soften the heart. Every time hardness is felt, it must be dealt with.

2. Remove stones

Inevitably, stones on the ground would appear. These must be meticulously removed.

3. Reject thorns

Wherever there are thorny patches, these must be removed as something to be forcibly rejected. Good ground does not appear naturally!

“He who hears and understands it…”

Jesus spoke to the multitudes time and again. All begin on the same footing. There is indeed common ground.

1. Listening attentively

The hearer recognizes that the word preached is more than just a series of platitudes! It is indeed the very word of the kingdom of God. It brings joy and encouragement to the heart!

2. Proceeding to comprehend the message

The careful and attentive hearer not only pays close attention to all that is being taught. He strives to fathom the message in its depth and entirety!

a) Satan is prevented from snatching the Word away

Satan can only take away that which the individual has cast aside. He has no power to snatch away that which the careful disciple plants in his heart.

b) Everything that could hinder good growth is dealt with thoroughly

As the disciple learns deep truths from Jesus, he seeks to cleanse himself from every false way! The problem of being superficial, or being overly caught up with the cares of this world, or even riches- these issues are dealt with most thoroughly. Like the good farmer who knows how to make his field produce maximum yield, the disciple works hard so that he may be truly fruitful.

THE FRUITFUL DISCIPLE

Jesus made mention of three possible yields! This parable gives us invaluable advice concerning the subject of bearing fruit.

1. Look for fruit

Many speak only of faith in Jesus, without much reference to fruit! The parable of The Sower corrects this erroneous understanding.

2. Cultivate the ground

This is another powerful lesson that must be learned well. Much depends on the type of ground (heart) cultivated! Remember- all are held responsible and accountable!

3. Good… Better…Best!

a) Thirtyfold- Average

This is not to be sniffed at! Though this yield is on the low side, at least there is some fruit!

b) Sixty- Better than Average

This is something to be desired! Every good disciple should be desirous of producing better than average yields.

c) Hundredfold- Excellent yield

Jesus highlighted this by mentioning it first! What joy must fill the heart of the farmer when he sees his fields yielding fruit in great abundance!

How may we know a true prophet from a false one? By their fruits! How may we know a genuine believer from a false one? By their fruits! How fruitful are we?