June 14

What are the Thorns

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the seedlings, and they yielded no crop. — Mark 4:7 BSB

The thorns in this parable were cut off, but their roots remained in the ground. As the good seed began to grow, so did the thorns, and because they grew faster and more aggressively than the wheat, they soon choked it out, rendering it unfruitful. Jesus explains that these thorns represent “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches.” “Cares” are worries, distractions, and anxieties. Martha, for instance, was at risk of having the good seed in her heart choked out by her distractions over household duties. Many promising Christian lives have been similarly stunted by worldly cares. As for “the deceitfulness of riches,” countless spiritual lives have been choked by the pursuit of wealth.

“The lust of other things entering in chokes the word,” Jesus adds. We’ve all seen people who began their Christian walk well, but as their cares increased or they became wealthier, their spiritual zeal faded. The lesson for us is to focus on our own hearts and ensure that the thorns and weeds do not overtake the good seed in the garden of our soul.

Jesus doesn’t say these people aren’t Christians, but rather that they “bring no fruit to perfection.” Their spiritual lives are stunted and unfruitful due to the distractions of the world. Though they may continue in religious activities—preaching, teaching, or praying—their lives lack the vitality of true faith. Sometimes, God steps in and removes the “thorns” by taking away the worldly object absorbing our hearts. Though painful, the result is often a deeper blessing.