Financial needs are real—and they can weigh heavily on our hearts, often robbing us of peace and joy in the Lord. But Jesus, in His kindness, taught us how to approach these concerns in a way that leads not just to provision, but to peace in our finances and find true prosperity.
When we walk by sight—looking only at what we can see or calculate—we often end up stressed and anxious. (See our blog about this here)
It’s hard not to worry when bills are due or when the future feels uncertain. But Jesus reminds us that anxiety adds nothing to our lives. In Luke 12:25–26, He asks, “And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?”
We may feel like our financial situation is the most urgent thing in our lives.
But Jesus warns against making financial gain our top priority. Just before this teaching, in verses 16–21, He tells the parable of a man whose land “brought forth plentifully.” The man decided to tear down his barns, build bigger ones, and store up his goods so he could retire in ease. He said, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”
But God calls this man a fool. Why? Because that very night, his soul was required of him. And then Jesus poses a sobering question: “Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (v. 20). The man had wealth, but he had missed the point of life entirely. “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses,” Jesus tells us.
God’s better way to live
The world puts a premium on financial success, but that path is often marked by fear and dissatisfaction. Proverbs 27:20 tells us, “Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Chasing more—more money, more things—never satisfies the soul.
Jesus calls us to a different way., He says:
“Seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.” (Luke 12:29–30)
He draws our attention to nature: “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” (v. 24). And again, “Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (v. 27).
Birds don’t hoard or fret. Flowers don’t compete or compare. They simply do what they were created to do—and God provides for them. Jesus assures us:
“If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?”(Luke 12:28)
Earlier in the chapter, Jesus makes His care even more personal:
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6–7)
God is not saying you should just sit around and do nothing. Birds still gather food. Flowers still grow. But difference is that they do what they are designed to do—without fear, comparison, or striving.
The raven doesn’t try to be a fox. The lily doesn’t wish it were a tree. And we are called to the same kind of simplicity: to do what God made us to do, trusting that He will take care of the rest.
Seek First the Kingdom
Jesus gives us the key to true prosperity:
“But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Luke 12:31)
In other words, make God’s commandments and calling your top priority—not the pursuit of money or material things—and everything else will fall into place.
This is peaceful prosperity: living a purpose-filled life, free from fear and striving, with full confidence that our Father knows what we need. Jesus ends this teaching with a beautiful promise: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (v. 32)
God is not reluctant to bless us—He delights in it. When we seek Him first, we’ll find not only His kingdom, but also the provision, peace, and prosperity that come with it.
If you found Jesus’ words in this blog encouraging, you’ll love diving deeper into His teachings with our resource ‘Jesus in His Own Words.’ Discover how His promises bring peace to every area of life, including finances.
