22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Discussion Question
Previously in chapters 11 and 12, Jesus warns the Pharisees, the teachers of the Law, and everyday Israelites about specific impediments to their belief in him.
Jesus is now speaking to his disciples. He is warning them of obstacles that could possibly prevent them from fully entering into the kingdom.
What are these obstacles and what remedies does he counsel?
Discussion Summary
To fully understand Jesus’ teaching in these verses other scriptures were reviewed:
- Matthew 6:29-34, a parallel passage
- Job 38:39-41, a reference to God’s care over animals
- Proverbs 6:6-11, a fable on the importance of providing what is needed
- 1 Kings 17:8-16, a story showing God provides in response to a generous spirit
- 1 Kings 17:1-7, a story showing how God provides in response to faith
The obstacles disciples encounter are mindsets that take them away from their primary focus on God’s Kingdom. These can be a desire for riches which can consume your mind. Believers can compare themselves to others who have more things and they can “run after” those things which perpetuates more and more desire for more and more things. This can also result pride and arrogance and a disinclination to share what they have with others. This can drive away their peace and create anxiety. Poverty can have the same consuming effect on the heart and mind. Proverbs 30:8,9
Jesus is telling his disciples that they must be detached from material possessions. Believers must change the tenor of their mind – the underlying emotional quality of their thinking. Jesus expects us to undergo a transformational attitude of heart.
In order to achieve this transformation God has promised:
- Proverbs 16:3, His help if we commit our ways to Him
- Isaiah 41:10, His own strength to augment our weakness
- Philippians 4:19, to supply our NEEDS
How to achieve this transformation:
- Colossians 3:1-4, Focus your heart on the right things
- James 4:13-16, Acknowledge your inability to control situations
- 1 Timothy 6:17-9, Understand what are the true riches in your life
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