Luke 8:14
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Luke 8:14
Luke 8:14 speaks about those among the seed sown among thorns who hear the word, but are choked by “cares and riches and pleasures of this life” so that they bear no fruit to perfection. The thorns symbolize competing loyalties and distractions—anxieties, wealth, and complacent pleasures—that choke spiritual growth. In Luke’s social world, wealth and status could easily become idols or competing centers of allegiance, pulling believers away from wholehearted devotion to God.
The parable warns against the passive drift of a life divided between God and the world.
This verse highlights the tension between faith and worldly attachments. It emphasizes how spiritual growth requires prioritizing God’s reign over the pressures and attractions of daily life. It also shows that external hearing alone is insufficient; discipleship requires a reordering of desires—the heart’s affections must align with the kingdom.
Assess where your time, energy, and money go. Are worries about finances or the lure of “more” crowd out opportunities to grow in faith or serve others? Practical steps: simplify commitments that steal time from spiritual practices, set financial goals that reflect generosity and trust, and cultivate pleasures that are oriented toward God—like acts of service, relational depth, and meaningful worship experiences. Create boundaries to protect your heart from being choked by the world, and invite trusted friends to help you stay focused on what matters most.
Cross-References: Matthew 13:22; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Hebrews 12:1