God’s Cure for Anxiety

The section builds to a climax in verse 31 when the disciples were instructed to seek God’s kingdom. In building to that climax Jesus said three things about anxiety.

Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neitherb be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

12:22-24. Jesus first noted that anxiety is foolish because life consists of far more than what one eats or wears (cf. v. 15). Jesus again referred to birds (cf. vv. 6-7) to point out that since His disciples were more valuable than ravens, which God feeds, He cares for them. (Unlike sparrows, ravens were not sold for they are scavengers.)
12:25-28. Jesus next pointed out that worry is foolish because it cannot change the situation. Not one hour can be added to one’s life so it is ridiculous to worry. Again Jesus went to the natural realm (lilies and grass) to point out that God takes care of what belongs to Him.
12:29-31. Finally Jesus pointed out that worry is foolish because worry is the attitude of pagans. The pagan world is concerned with the material things of life and not with life’s ultimately important spiritual realities. On the other hand one who pursues spiritual matters (seeking God’s kingdom) will also receive from God material provisions.
12:32-34. Jesus then told His disciples not to fear (cf. vv. 4, 7). He compared them to a little flock, a seemingly defenseless group which could be preyed on. To make them even more defenseless Christ instructed, Sell your possessions and give to the poor. (Luke later came back to this subject in chaps. 16 and 19.) This is also what the early church did (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). Jesus’ point was that if His followers had a treasure on earth they would think about it. But if they instead had a treasure in heaven, which is safe from theft and decay by moths, and were “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21), they would be concerned with matters pertaining to the kingdom and therefore would not be in a state of anxiety.
[1]
b neither...: or, live not in careful suspense
cf. confer, compare
v. verse
vv. verses
chaps. chapters
[1]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:238). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.