Matthew 13:19-23
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 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.”
Does God's word find receptive and fertile ground in our hearts, and does it take root to bear fruit as His chosen are called by faith to do (Ephesians 2:10)? This parable spells out our responses, and only those who are cut to the heart and receive it, planting Gospel seed deep inside and fertilizing with obedience (active faith, not just assent) grow and bear fruit to God in the kingdom. Ears to hear and feet to follow fully.
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