![]() The point here is that since the Father provides for the least valuable, how much more will he care for the very valuable - us. Very quickly these gorgeous flowers lose their blossoms and are burned with the grasses for fuel. So it was in the similar climate of Palestine. Soon the first winds of a hot summer begin to blow. The blue lupine has reached its zenith and covers the fields in blue tinged with purple vetch. May in Northern California is a glorious time. (Matthew 6:26-30) What point does Jesus make with his twin Parables of the Birds of the Air and of the Flowers of the Field? Is the point trivial or is it valid? Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." (6:28-29) ![]() Then he points them to the flowers: "See how the lilies of the field grow. Not one falls to the ground without the Father knowing about it, yet a pair of sparrows could be purchased for a penny in the market (Matthew 10:29). Are you not much more valuable than they?" (6:26) First, he points them to the birds: "Look at the birds of the air they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. ![]() Jesus gives two illustrations of his Father's care for the disciples, and it centers upon value. NASB and RSV use "do not be anxious." NIV and NRSV render it "do not worry." The Greek word is merimna ō, "to be apprehensive, have anxiety, be anxious, be (unduly) concerned." 2 And it conforms well to theĮnglish dictionary definition of worry: "mental distress or agitation resulting from concern, usually for something impending or anticipated, anxiety." 3 Illustrations of the Father's Care (6:26, 28-30, 32) Notice in verse 30b, Jesus chides those who worry for their "little faith." Undue worry ought to be viewed as a lack of faith, something to be overcome.įirst, let's look at the word "worry." The KJV uses the phrase "take no thought" a number of times in this passage, but that translation can be misleading. This section's passage 6:25-34 examines how worry about money can erode our very faith. The dictionary defines materialism as "a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter." Also "a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than spiritual or intellectual things." 1 Anatomy of Anxiety Focus of our worries and cares and thus consume our joy and life direction (6:25-34). ![]() Focus of our life, another master, another god (6:19-24), and.That is why Jesus spends time teaching about its twin evils - the temptation for money to become the: How we think about and handle our money is not just a personal matter, it is a discipleship matter. Money has the potential to derail our spiritual life disastrously. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:25-34) 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Ģ5 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Harry Hanley Parker (1869-1917), detail of "Sermon on the Mount" (1905), mural, Calvary United Methodist Church, West Philadelphia.
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