Day 61

Luke 12:22–34 (NIV)

²² Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. ²³ Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.

²⁴ Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! ²⁵ Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ²⁶ Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? ²⁷ “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ²⁸ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

²⁹ And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. ³² “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage

Read the Passage

Who is in the passage?

What action verbs do you see?

What other words stick out in your mind

Questions

Why is it so easy to worry?

What is Jesus’ answer for worry? Why is it hard to live this?

Verse 33 is very strong. How do we live this today?

Notes

After the parable in the preceding section, Jesus takes time to explain the right way to look at possessions.

vs 22 First do not get caught up in worry about the basics (which certainly implies don't be caught up in the extras of life like the parable before states.)

vs 23 Life is about relationship to God, even more than the basic provisions of life. (4:4, Deut 8:3 don't live by bread alone but every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord)

vs 24 It is not that God down plays the basics, but He saying trust in God's provision. The ravens are an unclean bird, yet ravens without farming, without places to store food have their needs taken care of. Any of you are certainly cared for more than a bird! (not saying don't need to work. The emphasis is do not worry)

vs 25- Anyway what good does worry do you? How does it provide for your needs? (hard lesson to learn, what is the difference between healthy concern and worry, between working to met your basic needs and becoming possessed by wanting more. Where does trust met the expectation of God on us to work?)

vs 26- Since you cannot add a little time to your life through worry why worry about things you cannot control? (GOOD QUESTION)

vs 27 -28 The beauty of a flower compared to the richest King of Israel- Which is more brilliantly adorned? (Could this be a knock on Solomon spending?) If God puts such beauty into something that last such a short time, don't you think he will care for you? (note grasses put in fire for fuel source)

Jesus points out this is the basics of trusting God. Don't do what the parable was about, and don't what the world is about (see vs 30) It is about trust in God which then implies faith in Him to provide what you need.

Thought- doesn't mean that physical harm cannot come to you. see 12:4-5. Does mean God will provide what you need as you face this world- whether through death or life! So trust in God's provision

vs 29-31 do not get caught up in the things of this world (even the basics) and let them consume your energy. God knows what you need and will provide for you. Again Jesus isn't talking about being lazy. He is talking about not focusing on them. vs 23. Priority is what God wants, knowing that He will supply what I need.

Kingdom Focus- remember the Lord's prayer (Your kingdom come) vs 31 is the living out of the prayer.

vs 32- God doesn't give us a place in his kingdom reluctantly. He is pleased to do so- therefore do not fear. God will provide.

vs 33 Act in the radical (from this world's point of view) Sell possessions an give to needy- (This is hard) Live in a way where you understand what you own in this world will not help you in the next. Purses are what money was stored in. -Things of this world do not last (remember preceding parable) and they can be stolen or give out.

Moths- one way people saved money buying expensive clothes or cloth. Problem with that is moths could wipe out your wealth

vs 34 Key verse for the way we live out our faith-

What you invest in, things of this world or of God's Kingdom shows where your heart is. Shows what you really trust in.

The question is how much planning and gathering of wealth to live is too much? When is enough enough? How do I invest in God's kingdom with my earthly earnings in a way that honors Him and shows my focus is on God's kingdom?