What Jesus Did! 'Why the Bigger Things?' — Luke 12:22-26

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?"
— Luke 12:22-26 NLT

Key Thought

Life is more than food and clothing. God has reminded us of this fact throughout the Scriptures. Jesus reminded us of it when he faced temptation from Satan at the beginning of his public ministry. [1] So we shouldn't worry, because God will take care of the big stuff and the little stuff! Worrying doesn't change things, big or small, except to make those problems appear worse than they really are. So why let ourselves get so worked up into a frenzy over "a little thing" — or even "bigger things"? Let's cast our cares on God and then trust in his providence.

[1] Luke 4:3-4.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, my loving Abba Father, you knew I really needed to hear this passage today and think through its meaning in my life. You're telling me, "Don't worry!" Even more so, you're telling me, "Quit worrying!" I know my worries about things can't change them. So then please give me faith that you are already working on both the big things and the little ones and that I can trust you to see me through. Give me wisdom, strength, courage, and love. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Philippians 4:6-7
  • 1 Peter 5:7
  • Philippians 4:19-20

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 12:22-26 NLT — And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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