Luke 12:22-32

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus says to his disciples: "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."

The gospels of Matthew and Luke report this teaching by Jesus, but we do not find it in the gospels of Mark and John. Jesus tells his disciples that as God cares for the birds and the flowers he will surely care for them. They need not worry about food or clothing, but should seek only the kingdom of God. All the rest will follow.

To appreciate this teaching we need to recall that the disciples who followed Jesus were poor. They had to earn their living, and there were no government programs to provide them with minimal support if they were unable to take care of themselves. Faith in God, therefore, was a real act of courage. The disciples who followed the promise of Jesus did so at their peril.

Grace and peace...Bob