Matthew 13:22

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Matthew 13:22 (KJV)

Context

In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains how different soils represent people’s responses to the word of God. The seed sown among thorns describes a hearer who is not a profane sinner or persecutor; rather, he hears the word and may even show love for it, having the heart broken under it and the conscience tenderized. Yet two specific hindrances choke the word, making him unfruitful.

Meaning

The first hindrance is the “care of this world,” which refers to anxieties, worries, and concerns about the present age that distract and preoccupy the mind. This is not a proper, laudable care for legitimate life matters, but an anxious and immoderate care that is perplexing and distressing. When such worries take precedence over the word of God, they hinder spiritual growth and maturity.

The second hindrance is the “deceitfulness of riches.” Wealth and material possessions deceive by offering a false sense of security, importance, and happiness. Riches often delude, lead people away from God’s way, cause them to err from the faith, and fail to give the satisfaction they promise. The pursuit of wealth can become all-consuming, leading one to neglect spiritual matters.

The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches are compared to thorns that choke the word, preventing it from taking root and bearing fruit. The word “choke” indicates that these concerns and desires crowd out the word, suffocating one’s spiritual life. As a result, the individual becomes unfruitful, failing to produce the spiritual fruit that should be evident in a believer’s life. This contrasts with the good ground hearer in Matthew 13:23, who hears the word, understands it, and bears fruit.

Application

This verse warns believers about allowing worldly concerns and the pursuit of wealth to take precedence over their spiritual lives. It reminds us to prioritise the word of God and guard against becoming entangled in the distractions and temptations of the world. It is a call to examine our hearts and ensure that we are not allowing worldly cares to hinder our spiritual growth and fruitfulness. By recognising these potential hindrances, we can strive to cultivate a heart that is receptive to God’s word and seek to live a fruitful and spiritually vibrant life.