It depicts Jesus in a way that’s unusual for artists, as having a childlike fascination with some flowers in His path. It’s a fanciful idea, but I can imagine Him thinking, “Someday I’m going to use them as a sermon illustration.” Which He did, in Matthew 6:25-34.
He wants us to consider the lilies of the field – the ones no one tends – that spring up anywhere and everywhere, propagated by the wind or creatures that graze on them, and the birds no one keeps as pets – the wild ones that come and go freely.
Why?
He wants us to remember how much He cares about you and me. If it’s a precious thought that God cares about flowers and birds, it is even moreso that He cares about us.
And, while He also cares about the furtherance of His kingdom and righteousness, His care is not limited to only those who pursue those things. “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth … gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:24-25, Isaiah 42:5). He gives us breath, and so many other things that allow our physical lives to continue… whether we love Him or not.
God gives us life and love, and new lives to carry on the family genes. He gives sunshine and rain and abundant crops. He gives trees for shade, mountains to inspire, stars to twinkle and guide. And yes, He gives us birds and flowers to enjoy... all whether we acknowledge Him or not.
He does all of this for the sake of His kingdom and righteousness.
Both flowers and birds are fragile creatures. This time of year, I am considering how soon I should fill the hummingbird feeder with nectar, where I should position my bird baths, and what flowers will attract birds and other pollinators to my yard. I like to be able to see them outside my picture window so I can consider them all summer.
The watering, weeding, fertilizing, and later harvesting of a few vegetables is more a hobby than necessity, but I’ll admit to fretting when the birds don’t visit my feeders, or when something attacks a plant over which I’ve toiled – which confirms how prone I am to worry!
Rather than expecting us to “just stop worrying” though, Jesus’ sermon reminds us to stop worrying about some things and start worrying about others. Stop worrying about the things He’s already tending to and start caring deeply about what matters to Him.
He doesn’t expect us to “have no concerns” or “live carefree lives.” He wants us to care deeply about things that are not being attended to by everyone else in the world – His kingdom and righteousness. Who but believers will join Him in that vast and impressive project?
Of course, the kingdom and righteousness are also things over which He has ultimate power and authority. We have little to do with bringing them about, but they should be our primary concern.
Feeling frantic
As He notes, unbelievers spend their days consumed by the preservation and elongation of life. We too see them desperately wanting to look younger, be better dressed, and make themselves secure against harsher days to come.
We’re not to behave that way. We’re meant to think mainly about our heavenly Father’s pet projects, free in the certainty He’ll tend to our daily needs.
While Jesus lived among us, no doubt He also observed all annoying human traits. Surely He noticed our mealtime habits, how we’re always thinking about the next meal while eating this one! And how we gorge ourselves, forgetting we’ll be hungry again in a few short hours.
He saw that we’re also prone to forget about the brevity of life – another reason to consider flowers. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). He wishes we would spend our days thinking about what lasts.
He’s also observed our vanity. Jesus no doubt pitied people who didn’t have enough clothing, but also those who had enough but wished for more stylish garments… and bigger closets in which to store them.
Primarily, we forget what He’s already told us, that our Father in heaven knows what we need (Mt 6:8,32). And that He promised complete satisfaction when we hunger and thirst after righteousness (Mt 5:6). “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt 6:20-21).
Worry about food or clothing or money is likened to idolatry, to hatred for God (Mt 6:24). How can we express more steadfast love to Him? By caring about what’s most important to Him, by trusting that He sees and knows our needs, and by resting in His love.
He is not minimizing our daily, physical needs. He created us to have those dependencies, and also created the things that meet those needs. He just wants us to remember we also have spiritual needs, for which He has also fully supplied.
Key points to keep in our theology:
- Luke 12:23 - Life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
- Luke 12:24 - You are much more valuable than the birds!
- Luke 12:25 - You can’t add a single hour to your life’s span, especially by worrying.
- Luke 12:32 - Fear not! God is giving us His kingdom!
If only we’d be more like birds and flowers. If only we rejoiced daily in Jesus’ delight in us. Even the most grateful person is not praising Him enough.
The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works. (Psalm 145:9)
Give thanks to the Lord… who gives food to all flesh, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. (Psalm 136:1,25)
Related links:
God is accused of being anti-life
Is God pro-life?
God is pro-life
Image credit: Christ in the Wilderness - Consider the Lilies, Stanley Spencer, fair use, https://www.wikiart.org/en/stanley-spencer/christ-in-the-wilderness-consider-the-lilies
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