Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

–Parallel Verses:
Matt 7:24-25
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

I think in the past I have read this account of the seed that fell on good soil and immediately thought, “I believe in Jesus, so I fall into this category.” However, as I prayed about it, I began to understand that the crux of the passage has to do with the quality of the soil over time. This is not referencing a “one and done” prayer we say. Notice the active words: Hear, Retain, Persevere. So I now believe Jesus is referencing a person who digests God’s Word and builds their life foundation on a relationship with him. Then, when the storms come, the plant is rooted and can weather them. The soil is tended to and the plant is repaired/protected.

The 100-fold yield isn’t magic, it takes effort. We must constantly reposition our minds to be focused on Jesus and receive his rest and his truth to steer us into a loving mindset. I think the parable about building a house on the rock is so close to the parable about the seed planted in good soil. The house has to be built with quality materials and put together with skill and intent.

Do I study God’s Word with the intent to apply it to my life? Will I hone the spiritual skills he wants to use in me to help in his kingdom work? Will I work to save the lost, comfort the orphan, supply the needy widow?

We who are faithful to the end will be greatly rewarded. We will be given seats in God’s Kingdom and have 24/7 time in his presence. It will be glorious to operate in the great capacity for goodness that Heaven is!

Lord, thank you for this parable and for helping me to see it more clearly. I must persevere until the end. There is no giving up in my faith. I must be resolute and steadfast! Teach me your ways, Father, that I may be counted among your faithful ones!