24. "Think about the ravens. They don't plant or gather crops. They don't have any storerooms at all. But God feeds them. You are worth much more than birds!
25. "Can you add even one hour to your life by worrying?
26. You can't do that very little thing. So why worry about the rest?
27. "Think about how the lilies grow. They don't work or make clothing. But here is what I tell you. Not even Solomon in all of his glory was dressed like one of those flowers.
28. If that is how God dresses the wild grass, how much better will he dress you! After all, the grass is here only today. Tomorrow it is thrown into the fire. Your faith is so small!
29. "Don't spend time thinking about what you will eat or drink. Don't worry about it.
30. People who are ungodly run after all of those things. Your Father knows that you need them.
31. "But put God's kingdom first. Then those other things will also be given to you.
32. "Little flock, do not be afraid. Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
33. Sell what you own. Give to those who are poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out. Put away riches in heaven that will not be used up. There, no thief can come near it. There, no moth can destroy it.
34. Your heart will be where your riches are.
35. "Be dressed and ready to serve. Keep your lamps burning.
36. Be like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding dinner. When he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once.
37. "It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready when he comes. What I'm about to tell you is true. The master will then dress himself so he can serve them. He will have them take their places at the table. And he will come and wait on them.
38. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready. It will even be good if he comes very late at night.
39. "But here is what you must understand. Suppose the owner of the house knew at what hour the robber was coming. He would not have let his house be broken into.
40. You also must be ready. The Son of Man will come at an hour when you don't expect him."
41. Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this story to us, or to everyone?"
42. The Lord answered, "Suppose a master puts one of his servants in charge of his other servants. The servant's job is to give them the food they are to receive at the right time. The master wants a faithful and wise manager for this.
43. It will be good for the servant if the master finds him doing his job when the master returns.