Luke 12:22-34

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought ... This and the twelve following verses are but a repetition, with slight verbal difference, of part of the Sermon on the Mount. See the note at Matthew 6:25. But a word or two of explanation on one or two of the verses may be added here.

Verse 25. And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

Verse 26. If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 'Corroding solicitude will not bring you the least of the things ye fret about, though it may double the evil of wanting them. And if not the least, why vex yourselves about things of more consequence?'

Verse 29. And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind, [ mee (G3361) meteoorizesthe (G3349)] - 'be not of unsettled mind,' or put off your balance.

Verse 32. Fear not, little flock, [ to (G3588) mikron (G3398) poimnion (G4168)] - a double diminutive, which in German can be expressed, but in English only in colloquial language. The tenderness it is designed to convey is plain enough.

For it is your Father's good pleasure, [ hoti (G3754) eudokeesen (G2106) ho (G3588) Pateer (G3962) humoon (G5216)]. On this expression, see the note at Matthew 3:17.

To give you the kingdom. Every word of title little verse is more to be desired than fine gold. How sublime and touching is the contrast between the tender and pitying appellation, "little flock," and the "Good Pleasure" of the Father to give them the Kingdom: the one recalling the insignificance and helplessness of the at that time truly little flock, that literal handful of disciples; the other holding up to their view the eternal love that encircled them, the everlasting arms that were underneath them, and the high inheritance awaiting them! "To give you the Kingdom:" Grand word, exclaims Bengel; then why not bread? Well might He say, "Fear not"!

Verse 33. Sell that ye have, and give alms ... This is but a more vivid expression of Matthew 6:19.