Jesus Teaches Confidence in God

GOLDEN TEXT: “Seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” —Luke 12:29-31

LUKE 12:22-34

THE words of Jesus constituting today’s lesson are designed, as our topic indicates, to teach confidence. They are heart-searching words. It is, shall we say, a very individualized admonition from the Master, one which each Christian can only apply to himself, and not to another. And these words of the Master are designed only for his footstep followers, not for the world. To these are addressed the reassuring words, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Here, in effect, Jesus is saying that the Father will give the kingdom to those who wholeheartedly, and self-sacrificingly seek for it. Seeking for and receiving the kingdom as here discussed by Jesus, refers to joint-heirship with him as rulers in the kingdom. When this kingdom is fully established, its subjects, who will be all mankind, will receive its blessings of happiness and life on conditions much less exacting than those here laid down by the Master for those who aspire to be his associate kings.

The subjects of the kingdom will be required to adhere to its righteous laws, but they will not be called upon to sacrifice. They, too, will need to put their trust in the Lord, but the good things of earth will be theirs to enjoy. Building houses and planting vineyards will be among the pursuits of happiness for the subjects of the messianic kingdom; and they will learn to trust the Lord for his blessing upon their efforts.

But now we are living in the age of faith and sacrifice; not when the kingdom is ruling, but when the future rulers in the kingdom are being “called and chosen,” and when they are having an opportunity to make their “calling and election” sure by proving faithful—faithful even unto death. (II Pet. 1:10; Rev. 17:14; 2:10) This is why the conditions of faithfulness are so exacting.

While thus “seeking” the kingdom we are still in the flesh, and in need of food, clothing, and shelter. Jesus said, “Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.” (vs. 30) The Father not only knows our temporal needs, but we have the Master’s assurance that if we “seek” the kingdom “these things shall be added unto you.”

Even so, the King James Version translation is somewhat extreme when it says, “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.” In the Greek text it is “take no anxious thought,” or “be not overly concerned.” Jesus did not mean that a Christian should neglect all his temporal affairs and expect God to provide for him in a miraculous way.

Just preceding the lesson passage we are given an account of the man whose ground brought forth abundantly, and he decided to build larger barns in which he could horde his additional wealth of produce. This was giving covetous thought to his temporal well-being. The parable indicates that the man died before he had an opportunity to enjoy the abundance which he had selfishly horded for himself. “So is he,” Jesus said, “that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”—vs. 21

Then follows the admonition, “Therefore, I say unto you, Take no thought for your life,” etc. Do not, in other words, take the anxious and selfish thought that the man of the parable did. Other scriptures show that the followers of the Master are expected to make suitable provision for their temporal needs, and the needs of those properly dependent upon them.

Herein is an exacting test of faithfulness; that is, to attain and maintain a proper balance between seeking the kingdom, and taking proper care of our temporal affairs. We are not to be extremists in either direction. But in this also each consecrated follower of the Master is to place his confidence fully in the Lord, knowing that he will be given wisdom and strength to take the proper course.

The sincere of heart will not neglect their temporal responsibilities, yet their chief concern will be to “seek the kingdom.” They will maintain control over their temporal affairs, not allowing their temporal needs to control them. Their chief concern always will be to do the will of God. In this spirit of dedication they will trust God to supply all their needs, and to give them the kingdom.

QUESTIONS

To whom is today’s lesson passage addressed?

Explain the difference between being rulers in the kingdom, and being subjects of the kingdom.

Which class did Jesus admonish to seek the kingdom?

What parable did Jesus relate to illustrate an improper seeking for temporal things?

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