Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 6:25-34
And
Read Luke 12:22-31
Jesus' focus in this section is worry. What are some things that He says not to worry about?
I found food or drink, health, clothing, and tomorrow or the future.
He then gives 2 examples of His provision. What are they?
The birds and the flowers.
He asks 5 very good questions. Can you find them?
Isn't life more important than food or clothes?
Aren't you more valuable than the birds of the air?
Can you add a single hour to your life by worrying?
Why do you worry about clothing?
Won't God clothe you better than He clothes wildflowers?
Does Jesus teach that we don't need food or clothes? What verse supports your answer?
Matthew 6:32 says that God knows we need these things.
So, what does Jesus want us to do instead of worry?
What does it look like to seek God's Kingdom first?
I think it means to focus on obedience and trust Him to take care of the details.
When a slave earned his freedom in the Roman world, he was given two choices: he could choose to go free or he could choose to become a permanent slave. If he chose to be a permanent slave, he was called a bond-slave. He had promised to remain a slave to this particular master until death. Why do you think someone would do that instead of being set free?
Because the Master was responsible for providing food, clothing, shelter, protection, medical care, etc. – essentially everything the slave needed in exchange for his service. So, in many cases, during the Roman Empire, this was a wise choice!
I think the bond-slave exhibited incredible trust that the master would keep his end of the bargain. Shouldn't we show the same or even greater trust in our Father?
Do you think Jesus understands how much we worry about provision? Why or why not?