These verses are part of Jesus' parable of the sower, in which He explains the different ways in which the seed (representing the word of God) can be received. In this case, the seed sown among thorns represents people who hear the word of God, but the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things interfere and choke the word.
The word "choke" in this verse means that these things prevent the word of God from taking root and producing fruit in the lives of these people. The cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things are distractions that take our focus away from God and His word. When we allow these things to have a grip on our hearts and minds, it can lead to a lack of fruitfulness in our lives and a lack of spiritual growth.
This passage is also a reminder that our priorities need to be in line with God's priorities. If we put our focus on worldly things, rather than on God and His word, we are unlikely to bear much fruit. The things of the world can be tempting and alluring, but they are temporary and will eventually fade away. In contrast, the word of God is eternal and has the power to transform our lives.
Additionally, this passage highlights the need for discipline and self-control in our lives. We must guard our hearts and minds against the distractions and temptations of the world, and make sure that our focus remains on God and His word. This requires discipline and self-control, as well as a deep commitment to our faith.
Finally, it's worth noting that this passage is not a condemnation of wealth or success. Rather, it's a warning against the deceitfulness of riches, which can distract us from God and lead us away from His will for our lives. If we are blessed with wealth and success, it's important to use these blessings for God's glory, rather than allowing them to distract us from our faith.
In conclusion, this is a warning against allowing the distractions and temptations of the world to interfere with our faith. We must guard our hearts and minds against these distractions, and cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with God and His word. This requires discipline and self-control, as well as a deep commitment to our faith and our priorities being in line with God's priorities.
See also: vs 16-17
Mark 4:18-19. Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word, and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.