Sunday 12 July 2026

Psalm 65

Background
Matthew recounts how Jesus commenced providing parables in his teaching – stories that contained profound truths, but which he recognised would only be understood by those with an open mind.

In this famous parable, Jesus compares how the word of God is received in a person’s heart to how plant growth is dependent on the type of soil in which a seed is planted. On the hard soil of a path no plant grows and equally a hardened heart prevents spiritual growth. On rocky ground the plants find it hard to properly root and so wither in the sunshine. In the same way those whose faith is shallow cease growing spiritually as soon as they face any of the pressures of life. Just as some plants are choked by surrounding weeds so some people’s spiritual life is choked by the people and events that surround them.

However, seeds falling in good soil have the capacity to be immensely fruitful. And in the same way a heart that truly hears and understands the gospel will bear tremendous fruit. In the Bible 'bearing fruit' is a core metaphor for a believer's spiritual growth. It represents the outward evidence of an inward relationship with God – demonstrated through one’s character and acts of service. In Galatians 5:22-23 we read: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

To Ponder:

• Am I actively listening, absorbing and allowing God’s word to change my thoughts and behaviour or have I hardened my heart to the things of God?
• Is my faith deeply rooted or is it superficial, relying only on good feelings and vanishing when life gets difficult?
• Am I permitting what others say or the impact of social media to prevent me from growing? Am I letting the many things going on in my life distract me?
• Is my life bearing the kind of fruit it should?

Prayer
Lord, break through the hardness of my heart, clear away the thorns of daily distractions, and deepen my roots so your word can grow. May my life be a fruitful one so that I may share your love generously with others. Amen.

Bible notes author: Gary Best
Gary was headmaster of Kingswood School from 1987 to 2008 and volunteer warden of the New Room in Bristol from 2009 to 2019. He has published over 20 books, including The Christian Alphabet, a study book for home groups.