From the series 'Fruitful Disciples' - Good Soil
In the Parable of the Soils (Mark 4:1-20), Jesus says it is the quality of the soil which determines the fruitfulness of the crop. How did Jesus ensure that his own life was good soil for a fruitful ministry? The key is in his baptism and temptation (Matthew 3:13-4:11): before he uttered a word of public preaching, Jesus was secure in his identity as God’s beloved Son, received the Spirit, and dealt with potential temptation and bad motivations before they could trip him up. He then continued to protect these things in his life. When we pay attention to these foundational things, we will be well-prepared, rich soil, not rocky, stony or thorny.
Paul Rogers 25.06.23