Luke 12:22-34

When the spotlight keeps shining on Jesus and the crowds keep growing, Jesus keeps turning his attention to his disciples. The truth of the Gospel is outward focused today as well and we are sent to pursue the lost, but in the midst of that the Gospel is still meant to shape us into his image more and more today as Jesus followers. 

Worry, in this context, is sin. This is not aimed at clinical anxiety; chemical imbalance, trauma, etc. Also, real poverty and proper concern for others in need is appropriate. So what kind of worry is Jesus addressing as sin?

Vs 22-30 

Most of us worry because we love the wrong things too much and we don’t trust the right person enough. 

Don’t pursue the stuff of life as if they are the most important things and worth aiming your life at. Don’t worship them or see them as ultimate things. This goes against the very grain of American culture. 

If this…then that logic- if Jesus tells those who buy their food daily and only own one set of clothes to not worry about what we will eat or wear…how much more then does this apply to us with pantries and closets of stuff? 

Greed and worry are two sides of the same coin. 

This isn’t a mental hack to divert our attention from the darkness of reality. This is addressing the cancer of desire in our hearts. 

For most of us worry is a control issue. We worry about the things we feel out of control of. Bad news- very little is in our control. Good news- the one who is in control is so gracious and generous. The examples of God’s graciousness toward the natural world show God’s graciousness by expansion toward us. Think of the beauty of the fall leaves that then get raked up and burned. Ravens were not just unclean, but considered detestable. Jesus tends to the needs of these disgusting creatures, therefore you, crown of His creation and bearer of his image, can be confident that God will care for your needs. 

This isn’t a green light to be irresponsible or have a bad work ethic. It is a teaching to have the right priorities. 

Vs 31-34

Jesus now tells us what we should be pursuing. Rebuke without instruction and invitation is just condemnation. We can’t just stop worrying and wanting without replacing what our heart's desire is aimed at. To seek God’s Kingdom is love what Jesus loves and set myself toward that in all of my life. We cheapen it when we limit it to our two hours in church on Sunday. 

When my heart longs for the stuff I have to achieve- worry. When my heart longs for what he has already bought for me and given me for free-peace. 

Sell all my stuff?!? What owns me? What dominates my decisions? What is sitting on the thrown of my heart? Get rid of the things that own me. 

At its heart the Gospel is not about agreeing with propositional statements. It is about the Kingdom of God sweeping over creation and returning it to the perfection he designed it to have. It is about reconciliation, renewal, and restoration. 

Love God through stewarding what he has given.