Jesus Warns About Worry

Topic: Worry
Passage: Luke 12:22–34

June 24, 2020

Commentary

 

In this passage, Jesus is telling us that we have no reason to worry (vv. 22-23)! None at all! And he says that is for a good reason. He points out that God the Father already knows our every need, and that He will supply all that we need (v. 24)! Actually, Jesus is commanding us not to worry! We all know that is so much easier to say than to do. Most of us worry. We worry about our finances, we worry about our health, our friends, our homes. our cars etc….. We worry about so much! Why?

Why do we lose sleep over such things as our finances? Why does our health scare us so much? I believe that people should focus more on His promises. It is detrimental to focus on the things that can go wrong. We need to focus on what God has in store for us. Can you remember anyone having any of their needs fulfilled by worrying? Worrying guarantees you to make any situation even worse. We need to put our concerns into his hands. He can handle them much better than we can.

Verse 22 changes the subject to what is wrong with worrying. It says basically three things:

  1. Worry is deceptive (vv. 22-24) – It convinces us that life is made up of what we eat and what we wear. He says it consists of far more than what one eats or wears (v. 15).
  2. Worry is destructive (vv. 25-29) – It is a real time waster because it cannot change a thing. Since life is made up of time and opportunities, worry only destroys your life.
  3. Worry is demanding (vv. 30-34) It keeps us from growing spiritually. How can we witness to a lost world if we ourselves are doubting God and worrying?

Application

 

Worry is foolish because the creator of the universe loves me and knows what I need. He promises to meet all of my real needs; but not necessarily all of my desires.

Luke 12:22– 34 (NET)

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 For there is more to life than food, and more to the body than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by worrying can add an hour to his life? 26 So if you cannot do such a very little thing as this, why do you worry about the rest? 27 Consider how the flowers grow; they do not work or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these! 28 And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you people of little faith! 29 So do not be overly concerned about what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not worry about such things. 30 For all the nations of the world pursue these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, pursue his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is well pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves purses that do not wear out—a treasure in heaven that never decreases, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.