Friday 30th August
Matthew 6:28-30
“‘And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith?” (NIVUK)
Pondering the flowers of the field has been worthwhile in many ways as spring breaks early this year! But the flowers of the field are not the focus of Jesus’ words. The simple comparison is that if God clothes lowly field grass with wildflowers, which are so ephemeral in nature as to be almost insignificant, then you should not worry about what you will wear. It seems simple enough on the surface.
I confess though, I don’t fully understand these words quite yet. If the point is that we are more valuable than flowers, then why is Solomon’s attire, the attire of a king no less, disparaged? God’s chosen king, in his best outfit, was shaded by these flowers. I don’t disagree with the observation. Wildflowers are genuinely amazing. But it seems a strange comparison to make if Jesus is seeking to raise our status in order to point out the foolishness of worry.
I suspect I don’t yet fully understand this small part of Jesus’ sermon and more meditation is called for. Feel free to let me know if it makes immediate sense to you!
