Today’s Reading: Luke 12:1-12, 22-34
At this point, the crowds following Jesus were huge! Luke described the crowd as thousands of people milling around and stepping on each other. In the middle of this large crowd, in the midst of the chaos, Jesus turned to his disciples and spoke directly to them. I wonder how caught off guard they were. Here they were surrounded by the masses, who were all there to hear from Jesus, and he was taking the time to huddle up with them and teach them.
JESUS KNEW WHAT THEY WERE FEELING AND HE KNEW WHAT WAS COMING.
Jesus knew something they did not know. He knew their time together was drawing to an end. He knew the plot against his life was building strength and he knew what was coming. But his disciples were not ready. There were things he needed to say, things they needed to hear, and he was not going to wait another minute to tell them.
Beware of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. What they are planning and what they are whispering in dark corners will soon be revealed for all to see. Do not be afraid of them. Fear only God, who holds your future in His hands. Do not be afraid and do not worry.
“What is the price of five sparrows – two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” – Luke 12:6-7
Jesus knew those who were plotting to kill and destroy would turn their focus on his disciples after he was gone. They would not be content with killing Jesus, they would keep targeting their envy until all Jesus’ followers stopped speaking of him. He did not say to his disciples “if”, he said “when”. And he said – Do not worry. Do not be afraid.
“And WHEN you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said…” – Luke 12:11-12
DO NOT WORRY. DO NOT BE AFRAID.
At that point, a man in the crowd interrupted them with a question for Jesus. I imagine this was a welcomed distraction for the disciples as they tried to soak in all that Jesus had just said to them. Jesus gave the man his attention as his disciples processed the warning Jesus had just given them.
I can only imagine what they must have been thinking. What did Jesus just say was going to happen? Tell me again, Jesus, how I am not supposed to worry. Tell me how I am valuable to the God who will never forget me. Jesus, who knew their thoughts, redirected his attention to them.
Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you NOT TO WORRY about everyday life – whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body is more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
“Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.
“SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED.”
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” – Luke 12:22-34
My prayer this morning is that God has a message for you within that passage. Perhaps life is loud and there is a lot going on all around you, yet you feel God speaking into your situation. I pray you are able to hear Him say that He cares for you and that He will give you everything you need for all that is ahead. So don’t be afraid. Give your life to follow God wherever He leads you. Your treasure is safe with Him, just as your heart is.