The Good Soil

But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold – Mark 4:20.

The seed that falls on the good soil bears much fruit because all of the necessary elements are in place. The soil is not hard and unresponsive to the Word. Neither does the soil lack depth to allow for the germination of a supportive root system. Likewise, the soil is not contaminated with thorns that will strangle the life out of the growing seed.

Nevertheless, it is not just the conditions of the soil that matter in this parable. This parable is concerned with the result of good soil. The good soil produces fruit, as Jesus says, “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt 7:16). Thus, we must ask what sort of fruit we are to expect. Christians should manifest the fruits of the Spirit which Paul describes as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).

A Christian will not exhibit these virtues perfectly, but a real conversion will result in measurable change in one’s life. If you are not growing in these virtues, you must ask yourself why. The answer will likely be that you are not paying attention to the Word of the Lord. We must not forget that it is the sown Word that grows up to produce fruit.