Read the Book: January - MarchSample

Week 2

Luke 8: 1-21

Kingdom-Bearing Fruit

In the parable of the sower, Jesus talks about four groups of people who hear God’s Word. The first are people who hear the Word of God, but immediately reject it because they are not ready for God’s message (Luke 8:12). The second are those who hear the Word of God and receive it with joy, but have not committed to the process of setting their foundation in Christ, and will therefore not bear fruit in Christ (Luke 8:13). The third group is the most common we experience today. This group embraces the message of God with a good start, but as they go on their way in life, they get distracted by the cares, riches, and pleasures of this world (Luke 8:14). If we’re being honest, we have probably been in all three groups at different times in our lives. 

But there is hope. There is a fourth group of people—people whose hearts have been broken and fertilized by the cross of Christ. This is the group of people who have good soil and roots in Christ. They hear the word, “hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience”(Luke 8:15). These are the ones who know that in order to see fruit-bearing, there will be work, patience, and perseverance, which comes to them directly through Christ. 

God has already equipped us to bear fruit for His kingdom! He did this so we could have good soil and roots through the Word of God, produce kingdom-bearing fruit with consistency and commitment, and receive and share the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Hold fast to His Word and let it bring everlasting transformation!

Family Connection: Have you ever felt afraid? Maybe it was because of someone being silly and they jumped out at you? Or maybe you have felt afraid of the dark or storms or spiders. Did you know the Bible talks about fear? “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid” is in the Bible 365 times! Read Luke 8:22-25 as a family. How did the Disciples feel in the storm? How did Jesus calm the storm? Jesus is more powerful than the winds and the waves and all of our fears! When we feel afraid we can pray to him to help us.