Luke 12:31

Context of Luke 12:31

The verse "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you" comes as the culmination of Jesus' teaching to His disciples regarding anxiety and materialism. In the preceding verses (Luke 12:22-30), Jesus addresses their worries about daily provisions like food and clothing. He contrasts the common human preoccupation with such material needs with God's meticulous care for creation, citing the ravens and lilies as examples. He points out that the Gentiles (those without faith in God) are consumed by these worldly pursuits, but believers are to have a different focus, understanding that their heavenly Father knows their needs. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful redirection from earthly anxieties to divine priorities.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Priority: Jesus instructs His followers to make the "kingdom of God" their foremost pursuit. This means prioritizing God's rule, His will, and His righteousness in every aspect of life above all other concerns. It's a call to reorient one's entire life around God's purposes.
• Trust in God's Provision: The promise "and all these things shall be added unto you" directly addresses the anxieties mentioned earlier. It assures believers that when their spiritual priorities are aligned with God's kingdom, their temporal needs will be met as a gracious byproduct of their devotion. This echoes a similar teaching found in Matthew 6:33.
• Freedom from Anxiety: This verse offers a profound antidote to worry and materialism. By shifting focus from what one lacks or fears to what God desires, believers can experience peace and confidence in God's unfailing care, liberating them from the burdens of worldly concerns (Philippians 4:6).

Linguistic Insights

• "Seek" (Greek: zēteō): This word implies an active, diligent, and continuous pursuit. It's not a passive waiting but an earnest striving to understand, enter, and live by the principles of God's kingdom. It suggests making it the primary object of one's efforts and desires.
• "Kingdom of God" (Greek: basileia tou theou): This phrase refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, both as a present spiritual reality in the hearts of believers and as a future, consummated realm. It's not merely a place, but the active exercise of God's authority and dominion. Prioritizing it means submitting to God's will and participating in His redemptive purposes.

Practical Application

Luke 12:31 challenges modern believers to evaluate their priorities. In a world often driven by consumerism and the pursuit of material security, Jesus calls us to a radical reorientation.

• Examine Your Priorities: What occupies most of your thoughts, time, and resources? Is it accumulating wealth, securing possessions, or advancing your spiritual growth and God's work?
• Cultivate Trust: This verse encourages a deeper trust in God's faithfulness to provide for His children. When worries arise, remember that God knows your needs and promises to meet them as you pursue Him.
• Live Kingdom-First: Seeking the kingdom means living according to God's values – righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). It means loving God and neighbor, serving others, and participating in the spread of the Gospel. When we do this, God promises to "add" what we need, demonstrating His abundant care.