Fear Not Little Flock
Introduction
Focusing on v32
Quote from Bill Bryson – "Joyous consumerism is a well of diminishing returns"
Writing about our modern generation
It brings comforts … but problems
Issues still relevant from Jesus’ time
Jesus is teaching and yet someone calls out with a worry about his material wellbeing (v13)
Christians have a walk of faith through a world of materialism
Hence Jesus offers these words: "Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (v32)
This in the lens we should live through
Overview: three points
Something very personal
The Lord Jesus Christ is lovingly addresses His people – "Little flock"
This is the only time He uses this term
He usually uses "little children"
Why this phrase?
v30 – in contrast to the nations of the world
It is a term of endearment
Example of son
Jesus is reminding His people of the love and concern He has for them
It is a unique term with its foundations in the Old Testament
The King was a shepherd and the people were the sheep
Ps 77:20
Jesus addresses His followers as the Good Shepherd
Isa 40
He is to lay down His life for His sheep, they will hear His voice and follow Him
This should be a wonderful encouragement to us
Christianity is not confined to church
Jesus tells us He will walk with us all our days
We cannot phantom Jesus’ love for us in our circumstances
A Perspective
Jesus gives a perspective to alleviate our anxiety and fears
Jesus puts the outburst from v13 into perspective
Quote from Song ‘Lord for the Years’
There is something about material wealth that is unsatisfying – because of who we are and what we are made for
We were made for God – to enjoy Him and be loved by Him
The person of v13 is displaying anxiety and worry for material positions
As a society, we often worry about the wrong things
Jesus does not want believers to live in this way
Jesus’ examples – the lilies, the birds
Our lives do not "consist in the abundance of the things he possesses"
We would probably all agree with this
Do we really believe and live it?
Jesus teaches a parable
Society wants to build bigger barns and accumulate more things
Our soul is more important
Quote
Application
Jesus wants us to realistic about our Christianity
We live in a material world but need to get things into perspective
What priority do we put on and seek material things?
Jesus encourages us
He holds us
Example
He provides for the sparrows, He will provide for us
A Promise
A promise rich in comfort and hope
"It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom" (v32)
Someone has said there are 7474 promises in the Scriptures
The Bible is full of promises
Here is a promise about material things
Good "pleasure"
Meaning to think well of / approve of – and want to give them good things
God finds pleasure in Himself as a supreme being
God finds pleasure in His creation
God also finds pleasure in providing for believers
God finds pleasure/is well pleased with His Son
If we are in Jesus – God has pleasure in us, because He has pleasure in His Son
God has the power to provide for us
God has given us His Son – the Lord Jesus
Therefore, there is nothing He will not give us
There is permanence to His promise
We will share with Him in the Kingdom
Closing Remarks
A little flock – with a great promise
An enduring nature – beyond the temporary material
Quote from Author
As we go into the world – don’t let material issues overwhelm your destiny as a follower of Jesus
God gives us the Kingdom
We are part of something so certain and so vast – do not worry about material needs
Remember God’s promise
Closing Prayer