The third group has a firm grasp on the word of God. They continually study, listen to their church leaders, meditate, and increase their knowledge and understanding of the gospel. Therefore they can differentiate between the truth, and the “doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men” (D&C 46:7). Although it is not stated in the text, it is implied that they endure to the end. This group equates with the seed that fell on good ground in the Parable of the Sower.
8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [Matthew 13:8–9]
The concept that some brought forth a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold is not in Lehi’s vision. This concept may suggest the three groups represent the “three heavens or degrees” in the celestial glory (D&C 131:1). Jesus’ interpretation ties it to the word of God.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. [Matthew 13:23]
Note that one must understand as well as hear the word. Also, his answer implies a difference between the bearing of fruit and the bringing forth of fruit. To bear fruit may mean to increase one’s own spiritual stature, and to bring forth fruit may mean to be instrumental in helping others to grow in spiritual stature.
Another aspect of bearing and bringing forth fruit may be the doctrine taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith in May of 1843, near the end of his mortal life. To attain the highest degree of the celestial glory, “a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it … he cannot have an increase” (D&C 131:1–4). Preceding this revelation the Prophet Joseph taught: “those who are married by the power and authority of the priesthood in this life, and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost, will continue to have children in the celestial glory” (TPJS, 301). Jesus may be alluding to this doctrine in the parable, but Lehi was not shown the doctrine of eternal increase at this time because he and his people were not yet prepared to receive it.