Luke 12:24 (NKJV)
24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?
Focus Words
At Bible Stories from the Heart, we find that if we choose a few KEY words to focus upon as we read, we are able to feel the amazing power and love of God even deeper.
Try reading these verses a second time, totally focused on these key words:
Consider- (verb) to think about (something or someone) carefully especially in order to make a choice or decision.
Sow- (verb) to plant seeds in an area of ground.
Reap- (verb) to cut and collect (a plant, crop, etc.) from a field.
Feeds- (verb) to produce or provide food for
Valuable- (adj.) important, worth a lot; costing or bringing a high price.
History of Luke 12:24
Jesus is traveling with his disciples to Jerusalem. Jesus knows his life on earth is about to come to an end. Because of this, he spends much time engaged in teachable moments.
Verse 24 of Luke is a teachable moment specifically given to the disciples. Verse 24 follows an earlier teachable moment in which Jesus had directly taught the crowd surrounding him. Because these two moments are related, let’s read a portion of Jesus’ earlier lesson regarding “The Parable of the Rich Fool” before we continue.
Luke 12: 15
15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
In the verses leading up to verse 15, Jesus was asked to settle a dispute. A man had approached Jesus with a monetary issue. He was asking Jesus to step in and help him obtain more earthy wealth/possessions.
Now let's connect this to the disciple’s teachable moment (our focus verse for today)
Luke 12:24 (NKJV)
24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?
After the crowds dispersed, Jesus spoke to his disciples. His thoughts were still on the greedy rich man. The fool placed all of his faith in himself and his possessions instead of in God.
Jesus wanted MORE for his disciples. Jesus wanted his disciples to live free from greed and worry. He wants the SAME for each one of us today!
Whenever we find ourselves getting caught up in possession obsession or the worry of feeling like we don’t have enough, all we need to do is look up and watch the ravens! God provides for them and he will provide for us.
