Among those soils was the thorny ground. Jesus said, “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants” (Luke 8:7, NIV). I thought of this parable today as we saw a portion of a Roman road in Galilee at the Golani Junction near Cana.
Thorns in Galilee. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
Jesus was asked by the disciples to explain the meaning of the parable. Regarding the thorny ground, He said, “”Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity” (v.14, NKJV).
Thorns. A fitting word picture for things that choke out the word. Photo by Leon Mauldin
It occurs to me that not all cares or pleasures are wrong. Money is not wrong in and of itself. But when one fails to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Mt. 6:33), these things become thorns that choke out the word so that one brings no fruit to the honor of God.
Today our travels have taken us to Nazareth, the city that was Jesus’ home, and to Gath-hepher, home of the prophet Jonah. I am so thankful to God for these good opportunities.
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Those are really large thorns! It really helps to understand the parable, and also the type “crown” Jesus might have had.
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I was thinking the same as Barbara. Not really what I would have thought of, but does make the parable more meaningful.
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