Luke 12: God knows what you need

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill considers the best way to invest.

Key text

• Luke 12:22–34

I am not the greatest believer in coincidence. I prefer to believe that God has his eye upon me even though many things occur that I do not understand, especially when things do not immediately work out as I expect them to. Having said that, I inevitably puzzle over the minutiae of daily living with questions like: ‘Why can’t I find my phone, my keys, my wife?!’

I had to smile when I was asked to contribute this Bible study on words of Jesus found in Luke 12, knowing that – 47 years ago this very month – these remarkable verses about not worrying and not being afraid had been carefully chosen to be read at our wedding. Coincidence? I doubt it!

Pause and reflect

• What do you think about coincidence or ‘God incidents’, as they might be phrased?
• To what degree do you think God is concerned about your daily life and decisions?
• Slowly, read our study passage.

It is important to note that Jesus is addressing his disciples. Rather than being advised, they are being commanded – as are we – to not worry and to not be afraid. These two significant opponents of ours – worry and fear – have already been called out earlier in the chapter: ‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more’ (v4). ‘Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows’ (v7). ‘When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say’ (vv11 and 12).

In our study passage, Jesus moves us deeper in our understanding of what life in his Kingdom is like. He explains very clearly that God knows what we need. Consequently, and paradoxically, there is no need to worry about what you will eat, about your body and what you will wear. There is so much more to life, says Jesus, directing our attention to ravens and splendid lilies: ‘Consider … how much more valuable you are than birds… How much more will he clothe you – you of little faith!’ (vv24–28).

We are to stop worrying like pagans and trust instead: ‘Seek [the Father’s] Kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well’ (v31).

Pause and reflect

• Is there anything worrying you today?

I suggest that we should intentionally bring ourselves before the one who knows what we need, asking him to bring us peace that dispels our angst and worry. May the gift and presence of the Holy Spirit support us in our ongoing concerns.

It helps to place any passage in its context. Immediately before our study passage, Luke records the parable of the rich fool, which Jesus told in answer to someone in the crowd asking him to settle an inheritance dispute (see Luke 12:13–21). Here, Jesus makes the point that we need to be on our guard against all kinds of greed because ‘life does not consist in an abundance of possessions’ (v15).

This parable highlights a man who passionately amasses wealth and possessions but then dies. Jesus concludes: ‘This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich towards God’ (v21). Hopefully this will also help our understanding of what initially appears to be a tricky verse: ‘Sell your possessions and give to the poor’ (v33).

We are called to be generous towards God and to invest in heavenly treasure, where no thief can steal or moth destroy! In the light of these words, it may be necessary for us to intentionally reconsider how generous or otherwise we are with our possessions and resources. Do we hold lightly any wealth we may have, whether that is perceived as akin to the widow’s mite or substantially more?

Pause and reflect

• In verse 32, what is Jesus reminding the disciples that their Father God has been pleased to give them?
• What does this amazing gift mean for you?
• Jesus gives good reason why we are not to worry nor be fearful: ‘For your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom’ (v32).

It’s surely no coincidence that, in the previous chapter, we have a powerful reminder and insight into how worry and fear are negated in the Kingdom, where God knows what we need. Read Luke 11:9–13 to discover how God provides for his followers. The critical part we play is in receiving the Spirit – and, thus, the Kingdom – by asking, seeking and knocking.

Note the parallels with the conclusion of our study passage, especially verses 31 and 32, where Jesus repeats: ‘Seek [the Father’s] Kingdom!’ Now, invert verse 34: ‘Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.’ Could that be true of you?

Perhaps now you will realise why my wife, Gill, and I chose these verses to mark the commencement of our married life together. Don’t worry! Don’t be afraid! Seek the Kingdom! Be generous! Invest in the Kingdom of Heaven!

We took these words to shape our life priorities and, thus, our ministry. All these decades later we say: ‘God knows what we need!’ He is faithful, despite our failures and our going astray. The Holy Spirit is given to those who ask, seek and knock. He has been as good as his word as we have daily sought to be obedient to his commands and revelation. Now that is no coincidence!