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Matthew 13:22
Verse
Context
The Parable of the Sower Explained
21But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.22The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying,.... Somewhat like the former, but with a different view: for whereas the design of the former was to show the different sorts of hearers that attend upon the ministry of the word, three parts in four being bad; this is to show the difference of members in churches, some being comparable to good seed, and others to tares. The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: by "the kingdom of heaven", is not meant the ultimate glory of the saints in heaven, or the state of happiness in the other world; for there will be no tares there; nor the Gospel, and the ministration of it, but the Gospel dispensation, and times, and kingdom of the Messiah; or rather the Gospel visible church state, on earth, called a "kingdom", of which Christ is king, and in which the saints are subject to him; where proper laws are made for the orderly government of it, and proper officers appointed to explain, and put those laws in execution; and which consists of various persons, united under one head, and independent of any other government: and it is styled the kingdom of heaven, in distinction from the kingdoms of this world; the subjects of it are, or should be, heaven born souls; the word, laws, and ordinances of it are from heaven; and there is some resemblance between a Gospel church state and heaven, and it is very near unto it, and is even the suburbs of it: or else the king Messiah himself is intended, who is compared to a man, a sower; and so it is explained, Mat 13:37 "he that soweth the good seed is the son of man": which is a name and title of the Messiah, by which he is called both in the Old and New Testament; who, though the seed of the woman, yet was the son of man, as of Abraham, and David; and which denotes the truth, and yet the infirmity of his human nature: he is the sower that went about preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, in the Jewish world, or throughout Judea and Galilee, in his own person: and who also, by the ministry of his apostles, sowed the seed of the word in the several parts of the world, which was made effectual for the beginning of a good work of grace on the souls of many; for by "his field" is meant "the world", as appears from Mat 13:38 and means either the whole world, in which both good and bad men live and dwell; and is the field Christ is the proprietor of, both by creation, as God, and by gift, as mediator: or the church, the visible Gospel church state throughout the world; which is as a field well tilled and manured; and is Christ's by gift, purchase, and grace: and by the good seed sown in it, are meant "the children of the kingdom"; as is said, Mat 13:38 such as have a good work begun in them, and bring forth good fruit in their lives and conversations.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:22 Jesus spoke of competing demands in life, (see also 8:18-22). The worries of this life can become so great that they divert one from the path of faithful obedience (see 6:19-34). The lure of wealth, particularly in its ability to deceive, appears often in Matthew (e.g., 4:8-10; 6:24; 13:44-45). God does not desire that his people have wealth as much as that they have faith, obey him, and willingly help those in need (e.g., 19:21; 25:31-46).
Matthew 13:22
The Parable of the Sower Explained
21But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.22The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Almost Persuaded
By Carter Conlon6.4K44:33King AgrippaMAT 13:22ACT 26:22ACT 26:282CO 5:172TI 4:7HEB 12:1REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude and praise to God. He then addresses a specific person, a girl he met on the street who was carrying a baby, and emphasizes that Jesus died for her. The preacher highlights the sacrifice and love of Jesus, stating that even if she was the only one to receive Him, He would still have come and suffered. The sermon also includes references to the apostle Paul's testimony and the importance of accepting Christ before it is too late. The preacher warns about the consequences of rejecting Jesus and urges the audience to seek salvation while the opportunity is still available.
Integrity: Prosperity Gospel by Femi Adeley
By Femi Adeleye2.0K11:31ISA 1:17MAT 13:22LUK 6:38LUK 12:15LUK 16:9JHN 10:101TI 6:10JAS 2:5This sermon addresses the dangers and misconceptions of the prosperity gospel, highlighting how it can lead to materialism, misinterpretation of Scripture, and a focus on personal gain rather than true worship and service. It emphasizes the need to discern false teachings, prioritize the needs of the poor, and return to the simplicity and compassion of Christ in our lives.
The Cross: Your Profession or Possession?
By Derek Melton1.2K1:05:23Cross of ChristMAT 13:22LUK 9:231CO 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of bearing the cross of Jesus Christ in our lives. He highlights the example of the Apostle Paul, who endured hardships and even imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. The preacher encourages believers to embrace the cross and allow it to work in their hearts, even in the little things of life. He challenges listeners to prioritize the kingdom of heaven over the temporary pleasures of this present world.
Resources for Righteousness
By George Verwer9371:10:01RighteousnessMAT 6:19MAT 10:7MAT 13:22MAT 19:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of taking action when faced with injustice and violence. He emphasizes the need to not simply ignore or dismiss such events, but to actively engage and make a difference. The speaker shares his personal experience of canceling some subscriptions and taking new ones out to support causes he believes in. He then references Acts chapter 20, where the apostle Paul emphasizes the value of labor and supporting the weak, and Jesus' teaching on the importance of giving. The sermon concludes with a reminder to preach the kingdom of heaven, heal the sick, and freely give, trusting in God's provision.
Priorities-03 Matt 6
By William MacDonald91656:27PrioritiesMAT 6:19MAT 6:25MAT 7:24MAT 13:22LUK 12:16JAS 4:13In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the arrogance of those who make plans for the future without considering God's will. He emphasizes the brevity of life and the need to acknowledge God's sovereignty in all our plans. The preacher then addresses the issue of wealth and warns the rich of the impending judgment that will come upon them. He highlights the corrupting nature of wealth and the importance of not placing our trust in material possessions. The sermon concludes with a reminder to live in obedience to God, to do the work that is before us, and to patiently wait for God's guidance in our lives.
Three Pictures of Discipleship
By Zac Poonen8091:16:44MAT 13:22LUK 14:26LUK 14:33LUK 21:15JHN 10:18JAS 1:221PE 4:10This sermon emphasizes the three key conditions of discipleship based on Luke 14: building the skyscraper of faith by counting the cost, fighting the battle against the devil by denying self daily, and maintaining the saltiness of our lives by giving up possessiveness. The importance of standing before the Lord, sifting precious from worthless in our conversations, and being the mouthpiece of God with wisdom is highlighted to live as true disciples.
(Youth Bible School 2007) the Thorny Ground Hearer
By Mose Stoltzfus7711:19:16PRO 23:4MAT 6:33MAT 13:7MAT 13:22MRK 4:19LUK 8:14In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the condition of our hearts, using the parable of the sower from Matthew chapter 13 as a reference. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing our spiritual fire to go out, as there is an enemy to our soul. The speaker also highlights the relevance of this message in our current day and age. He urges listeners to consider the fleeting nature of life on earth and the eternal consequences of their choices. Ultimately, the sermon encourages individuals to prioritize their relationship with God and strive for entrance into the eternal kingdom.
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 13
By John Wesley0ParablesSpiritual GrowthISA 6:9MAT 13:3MAT 13:11MAT 13:19MAT 13:22MAT 13:44MAT 13:52MRK 4:25LUK 8:18JHN 12:40John Wesley explains Matthew 13, emphasizing the significance of parables in conveying spiritual truths. He highlights the various responses to the Gospel, illustrating how the condition of one's heart affects their ability to receive and bear fruit from God's word. Wesley points out that while some hear the message with joy, they may lack depth and ultimately fall away, while others allow worldly concerns to choke their spiritual growth. He concludes that the kingdom of heaven is a treasure that requires earnest seeking and understanding, and warns against the dangers of unbelief that can hinder God's work in our lives.
Exodus 8:25
By Chuck Smith0Compromise in FaithFull SurrenderEXO 8:25MAL 3:8MAT 6:24MAT 13:22LUK 9:23ROM 12:12CO 9:71TI 6:10HEB 10:251JN 2:4Chuck Smith emphasizes the dangers of compromising one's faith while living in the world, illustrating how Pharaoh represents Satan's attempts to lead believers into half-hearted commitments. He argues that many Christians try to serve both God and worldly desires, which is impossible according to Christ's teachings. Smith warns against the temptation to keep one foot in the church while indulging in worldly pleasures, especially when it comes to raising children in faith. He stresses the importance of full surrender to God, including financial stewardship, and challenges the notion that tithing is outdated. Ultimately, he calls for a complete commitment to God, free from the distractions and compromises of the world.
The Death of Self.
By Francois Fenelon0MAT 13:22LUK 15:17ROM 2:4EPH 3:8PHP 4:19REV 5:12The preacher delves into the concept of riches, emphasizing the deceitfulness of material wealth which can hinder one's reception of the Word of God. He contrasts material riches with spiritual riches, highlighting the importance of being rich in spiritual possessions even if one is poor in material possessions. The sermon explores various biblical and historical perspectives on wealth, pointing out the significance of God's kindness, glory, grace, and wisdom as true riches that believers should seek. The preacher encourages the congregation to focus on spiritual abundance and prosperity in Christ rather than being consumed by earthly possessions.
Mark 4:13
By Chuck Smith0Heart ConditionSpiritual GrowthMAT 13:22MRK 4:13LUK 8:14GAL 5:22JAS 1:22Chuck Smith discusses the parable of the sower in Mark 4:13, emphasizing the different types of soil representing the hearts of individuals. He describes the wayside as indifferent, the stony ground as lacking depth and commitment, and the thorny ground as those who receive the Word but are choked by worldly cares and desires. Smith encourages believers to examine their own hearts, recognizing that many may think they are in the good ground category, but may actually be struggling with thorns that hinder their spiritual growth. He calls for a breaking up of fallow ground to allow for true fruit-bearing in our lives.
Then I Said, I Have Laboured in Vain, I Have Spent My Strength for Nought
By John Calvin0ISA 49:4MAT 13:221CO 15:58GAL 6:92TI 4:2John Calvin preaches about the challenges faced by godly teachers who may feel discouraged when they do not see the immediate results of their labor. He emphasizes the importance of serving God faithfully, even when it seems like their efforts are in vain, and encourages them to continue their work diligently without being disheartened by the world's malice. Calvin highlights the ingratitude of the world towards the gospel, attributing the lack of fruitfulness not to the message itself but to the obstinacy and rejection of God's grace by people. He challenges those who criticize the effectiveness of the gospel, reminding them that the responsibility lies with individuals who hinder the impact of the Word through their unbelief and actions.
Withered Branches
By Andrew Murray0Abiding in ChristSpiritual VitalityPSA 1:3JER 17:7MAT 13:22JHN 15:4JHN 15:6ROM 11:221CO 2:5GAL 5:22HEB 6:42PE 1:10Andrew Murray emphasizes the critical importance of truly abiding in Christ, warning that one can appear connected to Him yet still be cast forth like a withered branch. He identifies various reasons for this state, including a lack of understanding of the Christian calling, worldly distractions, and reliance on human wisdom rather than divine power. Murray calls for self-examination within the church to identify those who may be withering in their faith and urges believers to embrace the necessity of abiding in Christ for spiritual vitality. He encourages a vigilant and prayerful attitude towards maintaining a fresh and fruitful relationship with the Lord, reminding us that true safety lies in our union with Him.
Matthew 13:22, 23. the Explanation of the Latter Part of the Parable of the Sower.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 65:10EZK 36:26MAT 13:221JN 2:15Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the different kinds of hearers of the word of God, focusing on the thorny ground hearer whose heart is entangled by cares, riches, pleasures, and worldly desires, hindering the growth of good fruit. The thorns represent the distractions and temptations of the world that draw affections away from God, leading to a fruitless profession of religion. Only God can remove the thorns from our hearts and prepare us to receive His word, transforming our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh to bring forth fruit.
John 2:23-3:4
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 5:21MAT 13:22JHN 2:24JHN 3:3JHN 12:47JHN 20:291CO 2:14John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of true discipleship and belief in Jesus, highlighting the distinction between those who follow Him for miracles and those who follow Him for His teachings. He emphasizes the need for a genuine, steadfast faith that goes beyond temporary belief and superficial understanding. Chrysostom also delves into the encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus, illustrating the dangers of approaching spiritual matters with earthly reasoning and the significance of being born again in the Spirit to truly see the Kingdom of God.
Epistle 161
By George Fox0FaithfulnessWorldly TemptationsPSA 91:1ISA 53:7JER 50:5MAT 13:22MAT 15:9ROM 7:4ROM 11:12COL 2:82PE 2:18REV 3:14George Fox urges believers to avoid the distractions and temptations of worldly desires and cares, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and not succumbing to the pressures of society. He encourages the faithful to dwell under God's protection and to be free from the entanglements of material wealth, advocating for a deep commitment to the Lord. Fox highlights the historical suffering of the righteous who resisted joining in with the corrupt practices of the world, instead choosing to remain devoted to God and His truth, which brings peace and righteousness.
How Much Room Is in Your Heart?
By Phil Beach Jr.0MAT 13:22ROM 12:101CO 6:112CO 6:11GAL 5:13PHP 2:3COL 3:231PE 4:101JN 2:151JN 3:16Phil Beach Jr. reflects on Paul's grief over the church in Corinth, emphasizing the danger of closing our hearts to the Lord's interests and the consequences of falling away from His Word. Paul's open heart and mouth towards the Corinthians reveal his deep care and willingness to share God's love and truth. The lack of room in the Corinthians' hearts led to division, envy, and a departure from God's wisdom to human wisdom, causing suffering and deception. Beach urges listeners to examine their hearts, ensure they prioritize the Lord's interests, and be filled with the love of God to serve selflessly and sacrificially.
Hindrances to Holiness -- V
By Catherine Booth0MAT 6:33MAT 13:22JHN 12:26ACT 4:31HEB 3:19Catherine Booth preaches about the hindrances that prevent many from experiencing the full blessing of God's power and presence, emphasizing the need for complete self-abandonment and trust in Divine strength. She highlights the importance of identifying and removing hidden obstacles or sins that hold individuals back from fully surrendering to God. Catherine explains that true surrender involves caring only to please God and obey His will, leading to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the experience of God's glory. She challenges listeners to let go of worldly concerns, seek God's kingdom above all else, and trust Him to provide and care for their needs.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying,.... Somewhat like the former, but with a different view: for whereas the design of the former was to show the different sorts of hearers that attend upon the ministry of the word, three parts in four being bad; this is to show the difference of members in churches, some being comparable to good seed, and others to tares. The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: by "the kingdom of heaven", is not meant the ultimate glory of the saints in heaven, or the state of happiness in the other world; for there will be no tares there; nor the Gospel, and the ministration of it, but the Gospel dispensation, and times, and kingdom of the Messiah; or rather the Gospel visible church state, on earth, called a "kingdom", of which Christ is king, and in which the saints are subject to him; where proper laws are made for the orderly government of it, and proper officers appointed to explain, and put those laws in execution; and which consists of various persons, united under one head, and independent of any other government: and it is styled the kingdom of heaven, in distinction from the kingdoms of this world; the subjects of it are, or should be, heaven born souls; the word, laws, and ordinances of it are from heaven; and there is some resemblance between a Gospel church state and heaven, and it is very near unto it, and is even the suburbs of it: or else the king Messiah himself is intended, who is compared to a man, a sower; and so it is explained, Mat 13:37 "he that soweth the good seed is the son of man": which is a name and title of the Messiah, by which he is called both in the Old and New Testament; who, though the seed of the woman, yet was the son of man, as of Abraham, and David; and which denotes the truth, and yet the infirmity of his human nature: he is the sower that went about preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, in the Jewish world, or throughout Judea and Galilee, in his own person: and who also, by the ministry of his apostles, sowed the seed of the word in the several parts of the world, which was made effectual for the beginning of a good work of grace on the souls of many; for by "his field" is meant "the world", as appears from Mat 13:38 and means either the whole world, in which both good and bad men live and dwell; and is the field Christ is the proprietor of, both by creation, as God, and by gift, as mediator: or the church, the visible Gospel church state throughout the world; which is as a field well tilled and manured; and is Christ's by gift, purchase, and grace: and by the good seed sown in it, are meant "the children of the kingdom"; as is said, Mat 13:38 such as have a good work begun in them, and bring forth good fruit in their lives and conversations.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:22 Jesus spoke of competing demands in life, (see also 8:18-22). The worries of this life can become so great that they divert one from the path of faithful obedience (see 6:19-34). The lure of wealth, particularly in its ability to deceive, appears often in Matthew (e.g., 4:8-10; 6:24; 13:44-45). God does not desire that his people have wealth as much as that they have faith, obey him, and willingly help those in need (e.g., 19:21; 25:31-46).