Why Jesus Says: Do Not Be AnxiousНамуна

Lessons from the flowers

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow… Not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” (Matthew 26:28-29)

Once more, Jesus turns our attention to nature to illustrate His teachings. This time, He points to the flowers and grasses blooming in the fields. Clearly, these plants have not made a special effort to look good. Moreover, grasses are not particularly valuable. They are cut down to serve as fuel, or they are easily damaged by a storm. It is not worth paying much attention to such wildflowers, we would think. And yet, they look beautiful! More beautiful than the richest king in Israel's history, King Solomon. God Himself “clothes them,” the Bible writes. He gives them their beauty, even though they are perishable and fragile. He created flowers in various colors and shapes, even if they only bloom for one day.

From this example, Jesus asks the question, “Will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30).

This question is both an encouragement and a reproach. For Jesus calls His audience “people of little faith.” Their faith often falls short. They need to grow spiritually. And one way to encourage spiritual growth is to pay attention to nature around them.

Are you paying attention to nature? What lessons have you learned from flowers and plants?