Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Luke 12:32

This verse falls in the midst of a long discourse about the kingdom of God. Read the preceding verses along with this verse.

Luke 12:29-32
Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

• After reading the full development of Jesus’ thought, what comforting message do you see in Luke 12:32?
• Many people believe that God will not love them if they are imperfect. The disciples certainly were not perfect. What will you do differently if you believe that the words of Jesus are true?
• What do you think the kingdom is?
• In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke 6:20 How does that message shape your understanding of what Jesus means when he tells the disciples not to worry about food or clothing, because God wants them to have the kingdom?

Now read the further development of Jesus’ thoughts.

Luke 12:32-34
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

• According to these verses, people who have received the kingdom behave differently than other people. Where is the treasure that sustains the life of someone in the kingdom of God? What will you do differently if you believe that these words are true?
• Where do you find the kingdom of God? How do you know it when you see it?