What does it mean to be fruitful in the kingdom of heaven? Jesus tells us in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. It may be tempting to think, “I really don’t need to pray and study the Word as much anymore.” Daily responsibilities and the entertainment available in the modern world are not necessarily bad, yet they can easily become a nest of thorns and choke off our fruitfulness. “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity” (v. He was essentially saying, “Feed My lambs. What did Jesus do afterward? He came directly to Peter and restored him three times-once for every denial.
Yet as Jesus was being led away to be beaten, Peter could not even stand up to a servant girl and admit knowing Him. He assured Jesus that even if everyone else deserted Him, he would not. So when it happens, let Peter’s story comfort you. “But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away” (v. Sadly, some people say, “This isn’t for me.” The word is snatched away before it has a chance to grow. “Those by the wayside are the ones who hear then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” (v. Jesus goes on to list four types of fields in the parable-describing the kind of hearts, minds and spirits where the Word of God is sown. Tell yourself, “This is what God says about me. Admit your mistake and say, “I can do better next time.” Meditate on the seed of God’s Word all day, every day. What kind of things do you tell yourself? Saying “How could I be so stupid” is not the Word of God-that’s “the word of you.” Instead, encourage yourself in the Spirit. Keep in mind that while we receive seed, we are also sowers-so watch what you sow into your own heart. We need to receive His Word not just once, but continually, so that His promises quicken and His truth germinates in our hearts.
Jesus made that amazing statement just before explaining the parable of the sower to His followers. The Spirit of Truth will lead us into all truth. We can ask Him questions and He will reveal mysteries. “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God.” (NKJV)Īnd because we are His disciples today, it’s also His promise to us.
Jesus gave His disciples an astonishing promise in Luke 8:10,
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