Consider the ravens, they sow not, neither do they reap; which have no store-chamber nor barn; and God feedeth them: of how much more value are ye than the birds.This is another of the Saviour's illustrations teaching the same lesson as that based upon his reference to the sparrows (Luke 12:6-7). It is easy to see in these passages how the Lord varied and adapted his teaching at various times and places. read more
And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to the measure of his life? If then ye are not able to do even that which is least, why are ye anxious concerning the rest?Some versions read "his stature" instead of "his life" in this place; and Ash says that "the Greek word could refer to stature";[27] but this presents no problem, being true either way. The argument is from the less to the greater; and if one cannot add a trifling eighteen inches to the span of his life, why not trust God... read more
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I say unto you, Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothe the grass in the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more shall he clothe you, O ye of little faith?It should be remembered that Christ was not here denouncing the textile industries. The problem addressed was anxiety; and the argument is that for all of man's feverish anxieties about... read more
And seek ye not what ye shall eat, and what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: but your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.This is not teaching that a Christian should renounce thoughtful prudence in making a living for himself and family; but it is a demotion of even such basic things as food and drink to a lesser priority than that of seeking the kingdom of God. That such basic things are indeed legitimate... read more
Yet seek ye his kingdom, and these things shall be added unto you.This verse is the climax of the teaching. Seeking God's kingdom should be made the supreme goal of every life; and coupled with the admonition is God's promise that the seeker shall not lack for basic necessities.The kingdom had not at this time been established; hence he could speak of it in the future; that it would be given to them. He means his church with its privileges and blessings ... The apostles became charter members... read more
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.There is a glimpse in this verse, "the only verse in this section not paralleled in Matthew,"[32] of the circumstances under which the sermon was delivered. The Pharisees, like one of their number at a later date, were breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the Lord; but Jesus calmly assured his chosen that, despite all that, the kingdom would indeed occur and that they should possess it. In Luke... read more
Sell that which ye have, and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief draweth near, neither moth destroyeth, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.There is no suggestion here that heaven can be purchased; but benevolence is laid down as a prime characteristic of all who would enter heaven. Not even fear of poverty should prevent almsgiving. One is almost compelled to seek a relative meaning here.... read more
Luke 12:24. Consider the ravens:— See Matthew 6:26. Dr. Heylin renders the last clause in this verse, Of how much greater value are ye than the fowls? read more
Luke 12:26. To do that thing which is least,— This proves, that to add one cubit to a thing, was a proverbial expression for making the least addition to it. read more
Get a Bible verse delivered to your inbox every day!
Read on Mobile
Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Luke 12:23
And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. For the life is more than food, and the body than raiment.IV. Warning against anxieties.Much of the material in this paragraph is also found in Matthew in the sermon on the mount; but as Plummer noted:It does not follow, because this lesson was given immediately after the parable of the rich fool, that therefore it was not part of the sermon on... read more