Fruit Production

“But the seed in the good ground – these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring bear fruit.” (Luke 8:15)

Jesus told the crowd a parable: A farmer went out to sow seed, and as He scattered, some feel on the beaten path, some on rocky ground, some on thorny ground, and some on good ground. The birds came and ate the seed on the hard path before anything could happen. The seed among the rocks sprouted but perished quickly because the roots had no place to go. The thorns choked out the plants that grew there. The seed on the good ground sprouted, sent out roots, and eventually produced a hundred-fold crop.

Jesus later explained to His disciples that the seed represents the word of God. The seed on the hard path represents those who heard, but Satan comes and takes away the seed so they cannot believe. Some hear, but the hardness of their hearts will not allow the word to take root. Some hear, but the cares of this life become their priority and choke the plants. Then, some hear, and the roots go deep and ultimately produce a blessed life.

In all cases, fruit production comes down to one word: endurance. Fruit is produced when the word of God enduringly grows in someone’s heart. It is thus by enduring that we will bear fruit. Jesus said, “If you abide in Me, you will bear much fruit.”

Lord, Help us today and each day to endure, to abide in You so that Your Spirit in us will produce fruit through us that blesses not only us but others as well. Amen.