If we're captured by greed, or her second cousin, worry, we will miss out on real life. That's the inescapable conclusion I reach when I read Jesus' familiar words once again.
"A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (12:15b)
"Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes." (12:23)
"But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." (12:32)
Provide ... a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted ... for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (12:33-34)
The Kingdom of God is the most wonderful gift of all; food, clothing, fortune, fame all pale before it. There is nothing to compare with it. God's children are free to rejoice and exalt in the Kingdom, our gift. But first we must put food and clothing, storing up and giving to the poor in proper perspective or we'll miss the point entirely.
If you're like me, you're most familiar with this teaching in the context of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25-34). The meaning is essentially the same. Perhaps because it's so familiar you think you know what it means. But Luke's rendering of Jesus' core teaching is just enough different (it was probably delivered on a different occasion) that it forces us to look again, this time more closely. I encourage you to explore this passage with new eyes.
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Life is more than food! Later on in Luke 21, Jesus will say that some of his disciples are going to die but not one of the hairs on their heads will perish. What a paradox! Jesus must be looking past the earthy to say such a thing. The Body is more than clothing! Nice Post Brent.
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