Through The Bible in a Year - June 9, 2026

"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?... Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" - Matthew 6:26-30

After crushing His audience with the perfections of God’s holy standards—standards that make it clear people cannot qualify for heaven with their earthly abilities—Jesus does something wonderfully surprising.

He points to birds. "Look at the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"

He points to flowers. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."

If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

What is Jesus doing? He's showing God’s people God’s grace. What is the nature of heavenly grace on earthly display? God takes care of birds and flowers that cannot take care of themselves. It is God’s nature to provide for those who cannot provide for themselves—whether it's birds, or flowers, or you.

Imagine the scene as though you were there. Jesus has just told you:

• You can't keep the standards of God’s law regarding anger, lust, compassion, or regard for others.

• You can't fix your spiritual condition with your good works because your motives are always tainted.

• So, you're headed for judgment and the fires of hell.

And then Jesus says: "Look at the birds. Look at the flowers."

Your eyes follow His gestures. You see birds flying, landing, eating. You see wildflowers blooming in brilliant colors. None of them are anxious. None of them are striving for the glory they display. Creatures and creation are simply recipients of the goodness God provides for those who can do nothing to earn his care.

And then your eyes come back to Jesus. He says, “If God so takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, will he not also care for you.” What is the evidence of such care for us? Jesus. The One standing and teaching about God’s gracious care is the greatest evidence of God’s gracious care, not only because of what he says but because of the sacrifice God sent him to offer for us.

Jesus words about the perfections of God’s standards are not only meant to destroy our faith in our ability to earn God’s affection, they are his caring and urgent exhortation to put your faith in God’s provision for you: Jesus."

Respond: What are you anxious about today? Start combating anxiety by believing that the God who feeds birds and clothes wildflowers will take care of you. Go outside. Watch birds. Look at flowers. Notice how they receive what they need without being able to provide it for themselves.

Then remember that the God who provides for those who cannot earn or deserve his blessing not only is watching over such physical needs; he is also providing for your spiritual needs—not because you could earn or deserve such grace, but because it is his nature to provide it. Trust that he will and – He will!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am anxious about so many things. I'm striving, worrying, trying to control outcomes I can't control. But You feed the birds. You clothe the wildflowers. You take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. Help me trust You. When I can't measure up to your standards, remind me how You provide your grace for those who can neither earn or deserve it. Increase my faith. Decrease my anxiety. I put my trust in You—the One who provides. In Jesus' name, Amen.