Movatterモバイル変換

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.

Genesis 3:18
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

Jeremiah 4:3,4
For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns…

which grew up
The growth of the thorns indicates that they were not immediately apparent when the seed was sown. This suggests that the distractions and temptations of life can gradually develop, often unnoticed, until they become significant hindrances to spiritual maturity. This growth parallels the slow but steady encroachment of worldly concerns that can eventually dominate a believer's life if not addressed.

and choked the seedlings
The choking of the seedlings illustrates the destructive power of worldly distractions and concerns. In a spiritual sense, this represents how the worries of life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things can suffocate the Word, preventing it from bearing fruit. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such asMark 4:19 andLuke 8:14, where similar language is used to describe the impact of life's distractions on spiritual growth. The imagery of choking suggests a violent and complete suppression, emphasizing the seriousness of allowing such influences to dominate one's life.

- Jesus’ parable pictures the Word of God as “seed” (Matthew 13:19). Here, He notes that some of that seed is distinct from the seed that lands on good soil or rocky ground.

- The emphasis is that God’s Word is generously scattered to every kind of heart (Isaiah 55:10-11). No one is excluded from hearing the truth.

- Cross reference:John 3:16 reminds us that the Lord “so loved the world,” underscoring that the gospel invitation is wide-open.

- Thorns symbolize a heart environment already crowded with competing affections. Scripture often links thorns with sin’s curse (Genesis 3:18) and with spiritual neglect (Hebrews 6:8).

- They grow naturally when soil is left untended. In the same way, worldly desires spring up when we fail to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).

- Cross reference:Jeremiah 4:3 warns, “Do not sow among thorns,” highlighting our responsibility to clear the ground before the seed arrives.

- The thorns and the seedlings sprout together. At first, the gospel seems to take hold; the listener hears with apparent interest.

- This growth phase reveals a divided devotion. Instead of pulling the weeds early, the person tolerates them.

- Cross reference:Mark 4:18-19 explains that “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the word.” Those distractions don’t appear all at once; they grow gradually.

- Choking implies suffocation. The plant is still in the soil, but it can’t breathe or bear fruit.

- Jesus interprets the thorns as “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” (Matthew 13:22). Everyday anxieties and material ambitions squeeze out spiritual vitality.

- Signs of choking:

• diminishing appetite for Scripture and prayer

• compromised moral choices to preserve comfort or gain

• reluctance to serve or give because earthly priorities feel urgent

- Cross references:Luke 8:14,1 Timothy 6:9-10, and1 John 2:15-17 all warn that love for the world stifles love for God. Paul urges, “No soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs” (2 Timothy 2:4).

Matthew 13:7 portrays a heart that receives God’s Word but refuses to uproot worldly cares and deceitful riches. The gospel seed is alive and powerful, yet it is smothered by unchecked desires and anxieties. Spiritual fruitfulness demands vigilant weeding—daily repentance, single-minded devotion to Christ, and trust that He alone satisfies.