Luke 12:29-32

Luke chapter 12, 29 to 32. And seek not ye what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink. Neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your father knoweth that you have need of these things. The rather seek ye the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. May God’s blessed to us his sacred and holy word this morning. You and I probably do not know any shepherds. It’s kind of rare. to have shepherds in our modern society here in America. But in biblical times, when one’s wealth was connected with the herds and the flocks that they had, like you read in Job’s time, there were a lot of shepherds at that time. And they were removed from the hustle and bustle, the city, they’re out there in the fields. It’s very quiet. a contemplative type of life to be in the fields, looking up at the stars at night and looking out over the fields during the day. David was a shepherd. He was a true and literal shepherd, but it was also called the shepherd of Israel. The nation looked to him for guidance and leadership, just like the sheep look to the shepherd to guide them and lead them. So kings and rulers and elders are often classified as shepherds in the Word of God. And thus, it’s not unusual then, to think of Jesus Christ as a shepherd. In fact, the Bible says he’s the great shepherd. of the sheep. And as the psalmist tells us in Psalm 23, the Lord is my shepherd. Now Jesus is repeatedly called a shepherd throughout scripture. You can’t, you can’t miss it if you really look through scripture. He’s repeatedly given that designation because he is the king of his people. He is our spiritual leader. He does. Designates his people then as a flock. We are his sheep. Scripture would have you contemplate Christ, Christ, our Savior in this light, as the scripture says, as the shepherd and bishop of your soul. And so when we come to this text this text this morning in verse 32, it is with this is with this, in mind that we should ponder the passage. I want to talk about Christ’s little flock this morning. Now you should ponder how Christ’s people became his flock. You, if you’re part of the Christ’s sheep here among his fold, became part of this fold by the express appointment of God. God. Jesus did not just assume the office of shepherd. He was given this task by the Lord Jesus, or by God the Father. Ezekiel 3423, God says, and I will set up one shepherd over them and shall feed them. Even my servant David, really is referring to Christ here. And he shall feed them and he shall be their shepherd. In the eternal counsel of God, God the Son, was given a people that constituted his flock. And he was the shepherd. These people were elected, chosen by the Father, and given to the Son. In the high priestly prayer in John 176, we read, I have manifested thy name under the men which thou gaveest me out of the word. world thine they were, and thou gave us the me. So we see that Christ has a commission. That commission does not extend to every individual of the whole world. It is extended to his elect people, those given to him by the Father from all eternity. And it is for the elect that Christ came to die to redeem them. to satisfy divine justice and obtain eternal redemption for it. And so we believe in what’s known as limited atonement, or particular atonement. Because that’s who was given to, a group of people were given to Christ by the Father, and he comes to save them from their sins. It was not left them. an uncertain matter. Whether or not anyone should place themselves under the shepherd, oh no. God’s sovereign will gave and elect people out of mankind to be Christ’s flocked, and it’s sure and it’s certain that he would be their shepherd. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me, John 637. So we see here that there was going to be a certain group of people. You remember when Moses was down in Egypt, and he tells Pharaoh, let my people go. And Pharaoh first says, I don’t know the Lord, you know, why should I do that? But after a few plagues, he decides that maybe he’s going to have to compromise in some way. And he says, well, who’s going to go? Not just the men go. Everybody else stays behind. So. Well, we can’t take those little children out there in a desert. That’s pretty dangerous. You’re going to leave them behind. No. What about the flocks and herds? You should leave your flocks and herds behind. He said, they’re not going to be a hoof left behind. Remember that? Here’s what Moses says to Pharaoh. We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons, and with our daughters. Everybody’s going. And the flocks and herds are going, too. Not even one’s going. beyond. He was the mediator. He had a people committed to him, and he was not going to lose one of them. My friends, that’s the way Jesus Christ is with his people. By the express appointment of God, we became the flock of Jesus Christ. By the purchase of Christ atoning death, we became his people, his flock. You know, a great obstacle lay in the way of Christ gathering the the flock to himself. And that is, we were all fallen in Adam. Mankind, without exception, had forsaken God. It was under the sentence of condemnation. In order to undertake this office of shepherd on their behalf, he needed to reconcile his flock to himself. All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord, laid on him the Lord Jesus Christ, the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53-6, he was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes, we are healed. The shepherd knew that unless he sacrificed his life, he could not save his sheep from condemnation. And so he loved us, and he gave himself for us. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. And thus he redeemed his shirt. We are his purchased possession, and we could be gathered to himself. So by the purchase of Christ atoning death. Thirdly, by actually bringing his people into his fold, Our shepherd not only opens the door by his sacrificial death, but he proceeds by his grace to incline and enable his sheep to enter his full. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power. Psalm 1.10. He made us willing. He brought us to himself. By his spirit, Christ applies the benefits of his purchase, giving spiritual illumination and faith and repentance and pardon and peace and every blessing. Each and every one of the sheep that have been given to him. He seeks out his lost sheep. and successfully finds and gathers them. I like the account in Luke 15. We have the parable of the lost sheep. And you know what Jesus tells us about that, the shepherd? He goes after that which is lost until he finds it. There’s no question about him finding it. He goes after it and he finds it. And he puts it up on his shoulders and carries it home. My friends, as Jesus pointed out, is rejoicing in heaven. One sinner is brought into the fold and is made known as one of the flock. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them. And they follow me. From all directions. You know, when we think about Christ’s sheep, and there’s a sense in which they’re scattered throughout all the nations, and yet Christ gathers them all. So we see how Christ’s people became this flock. Now, second one, you should realize that Christ’s people are a little flock. He tells us here in verse 32, fear not little flock. Now, certainly in Christ’s day, the number of people that knew the Lord and were part of his flock it was a small number. He came onto his own, but his own received him not. But to as many as received him, to them gave you the power to become the sons of God. When he came onto his own and he preached the gospel, there were those who were brought into the kingdom, but not two-thirds of the nation or something like that. It was smaller numbers. I mean, we had thousands and so forth on the day of Pentecost and so forth. But when you look at the whole nation, that was the case. The same thing, more or less holds true down through history. How few people were believers at the time of Noah’s flood. Eight souls were saying. How few among the thousands of Israel were Israelites indeed during the Old Testament history. Even after our Lord’s ascension, and the number of disciples that gathered at Jerusalem in the upper room were only 120. It’s true that the number of the flock has increased greatly since the Great Commission. No question about it. I mean, there is vast number have been brought into the flock. So we might look at it and say, well, it’s certainly a lot bigger now. It’s greater now than it was then. And yet with this amazing increase, it’s still a small group compared to the innumerable number of the teeming hordes of mankind. We are of God, John says, and the whole world lies in wickedness. And 1 John 519. Is Christ’s flock a little flock? Then the way of the multitude of mankind is not the way you should follow if you would be saved. Enter ye in at the straight gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be that go in thereat. Because straight is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth on the life, and few there be that find it. There is only a remnant according to, the election of grace which are saved in any nation. So we have to be realistic here. We should realize that Christ’s people are a little flock. A lot smaller than you would imagine if we just went by those who went under the name Christian. Thirdly. As one of Christ’s flock, your command here not to fear. Fear not. Little flock, he says. There’s no need for you to fear a lack of what is necessary for your body or for your soul. The scope of this whole passage that we’ve been looking at is to ease the believer’s mind with regard to food and clothing and the basic necessities of life. He has cautioned you against sinful anxiety with regard to these things. you’ve been assured that your heavenly father knows that you have need of these things. Christ has exhorted you to seek first the kingdom of God, and the promise is I will provide all these things for you. So he says here, fear not about these things. You will not lack what’s good for your soul or your body. Now, one of the offices of the good shepherd is to feed us flock. And it’s true that Christ, through his providence, does provide the necessary food that we need to eat. Well, he also provides us with spiritual nourishment. For the soul, which is more important than bread. We shall not live by bread alone, but every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Their bread shall be given them and his water shall be sure, Isaiah 3316. Nor will he fail to supply this bread of life. He that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth in me, shall never thirst. John 635. So there’s no need for you to fear any lack of what is necessary for your body or soul. There’s no need for you to fear the various afflictions and calamities of life. It’s true. The you and I, are going to be exposed to the common trials of life, and some of them may be severe. Yet you have no reason to be overcome with fear or to be terrorized by what you have to face in this line. God often talks about putting a hedge about his people. I always like that passage in Job chapter 1 where Satan complains to the Lord. I can’t get at Job, because you’ve got this hedge about him. I like that. I like to know that the Lord can put a hedge about us and protect his people. He shields us from anything. God is faithful. We will not suffer you to be tempted or tested above that which you are able, but will with the temptation or testing also make a way of escape that you may be able to bear it. That’s a wonderful promise. that’s been given to us as his people. Now, God controls all things. Even how far Satan is allowed to attack us. Isn’t interesting. He’s the shepherd. Christ is the shepherd. Satan is portrayed as the roaring lion out to destroy the sheep, which is you and I are the sheep. And who delivers us? The shepherd. He goes after us. He wants to. not let Satan haul us off. Your Heavenly Father knows exactly what you’re able to bear and he’s watching out for us. He will keep you from all troubles that would prove harmful to you ultimately. And he will assist you by granting you strength to overcome the trials that you presently are afflicted by. The Lord is on my side. It will not fear what man can do unto me. Psalm 1 18, verse 6. So, there’s no need for you to fear the various afflictions and calamities of life. There’s no need for you to fear being overcome by spiritual enemies. Now, my friends, in this life, we are beset by many spiritual dangers, and we have to be alert to them. And there are such a acts sometimes made against us. We would think maybe I will fall away. Maybe I will perish. Maybe I’ll turn away from Christ. But my friend, you got a mighty and faithful shepherd who is watching over you. And you are like a sheep in the midst of these wolves who seek to devire you. It’s frightening. Satan is our adversary. But thankfully, we have the great shepherd of the sheep. who will always defend you and always rescue you. It’s also true that your own heart is weak. And when you think about it, you know, we are our own worst enemy sometimes. But thankfully, the Bible talks about how God’s grace is given to his people to sustain us and help us. Like a sheep, you have a tendency to, to wander off. If you would be abandoned by the shepherd, you would. But he’s not going to let you wander off. He’s going to keep coming back and getting you. The good shepherd never loses one of his sheep. Do you remember Peter? At one point, he followed Christ afar off when Christ was arrested in the garden. When I read that, I always think about he should have been closer why are you far off Peter? And then he denies that he is one of Christ’s disciples. And not just once, but three times. But no sooner does he behold the piercing look of the Lord Jesus Christ who looked at him after the cock crowed and it broke his heart. The shepherds looking at Peter I told you, I warned you about this. And he went out and wept bitterly and returned, never to stray again. And you recall that after his resurrection, Jesus meets with some of the disciples who were out fishing. And when they’re on the shore, they’re eating fish and bread, Jesus says to Peter, do you love me? And I like the fact that he asked him three times. You deny me three times? I’m going to ask you three times. Do you love me? Be my sheep. Go back to working for me. Serve me in the capacity that I’ve given you. He rescues him. He rescues us. Sometimes it’s just a look. You just, you know, sometimes it’s just to know just to know that we were shamed by our own behavior when we think about it. Is enough. Now, this should provide a sense of joy and comfort to us as we go through this life, nor should we fear even the great enemy of death. For the Bible says, as the Psalmist in Psalm 23 tells us about the great shepherd. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thy art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. There’s no reason to fear being overcome by spiritual enemies. there’s no need for you to fear coming short of heaven. It’s true that every one of us deserves eternal condemnation. Every one of us has earned being consigned to endless misery and hell. If you got what you deserve, that’s what would happen to us. If thou Lord shouldest mark iniquities who shall stand. Psalm 1.30 in verse 3. And yet the scripture declared, there is therefore no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit. This is what Jesus said. Verily, barely I say unto you. He that he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but has passed from death under life, John 524. Knowing and believing in Christ means that we are not under God’s condemnation. Our sins are paid for and completely forgiven. Blessed is the man with whom the Lord will not impute sin. I don’t know about you, but that’s a pretty strong statement in scripture. He will not charge to your account your sin. It’s a wonderful teaching. Is it not? Price paid for. So we don’t have any, we shouldn’t have any fear of coming short of heaven because Jesus Christ, is our advocate. He has paid the price. And he gives assurance of entrance into heaven. Fourthly, I want to mention this. As one of Christ’s flock, you were assured of being given the kingdom of heaven. He says here in verse 32, Fear not little flock for it is your father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Now the kingdom here speaks of the blessings of the gospel. heaven as an afterlife as well as the kingdom of grace and glory that we read about in scripture. But your salvation is a matter of grace, not merit. Notice it says here, he gives you the kingdom. You don’t earn the kingdom. You’re given the kingdom. My sheep here, my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them. eternal life. They shall not perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. The force of this word give in both these verses in John 10, 27, and 28, and in our text here, means that salvation is not earned. It’s freely given by God’s grace. Unless you read of it of it as a gift of God, and Romans 623, as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him, John 172. The free gift comes on them to justification of life, John 518. Excuse me, that should be, I think, Romans 518. So your salvation is a matter of grace, it’s not a mere. We see also that your salvation is the result. of God’s purpose and his good pleasure. The expression, His good pleasure here, carries those two ideas, purpose and pleasure. In other words, it teaches us that God has determined from all eternity to grant you the kingdom. I like what we read in Matthew 2534. Come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom, prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Isn’t that a wonderful teaching? Was there any question you were going to get it? No. Having predestinated us under the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, Ephesians 1.5. This same Greek word is used in Matthew 317, where it says, this is my beloved son in whom I well, pleased. So it has the idea of being well pleased or his good pleasure. This mean, this tells us about the joy or the cheerfulness and delight that God has in saving his people. It’s encouraging to know that God has not only purpose to save, but your salvation is something he set his heart on, something he takes delight in doing. Deuteronomy 2863, the Lord rejoiced over you to do you. Zefaniya 317, the Lord thy God is mighty, he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy. It’s not reluctantly that God saves us. He delights to do it. He takes pleasure and do it. of me. So your salvation is the result of God’s purpose and good pleasure, and your salvation guarantees your entrance into the kingdom of heaven. What a blessed truth. If God has bestowed on you such spiritual blessings and has graciously determined to give you the kingdom of God, then you need not fear, you’re going to come short of it. He will not neglect you in this providence. In the meantime, more should you. you fear anything will separate you from the love of Christ. The bestowing of the kingdom of heaven presupposes the continuance then. Of all the grace, which is necessary to prepare and preserve you for Him. Everything necessary is assured. Well, let me close this morning with two thoughts. The first is this. Let me ask you this question. Do you belong to Christ’s law? or are you still among the herds of this world? Christ’s flock is separated from this world, enclosed in his fold. They hear his voice and they follow him. Can that be said of you? Because if it is not said of you that you’re of his flock, then I have to say, I can’t say fear not to you. There’s a lot of things to fear if you’re not one of Christ’s flock. You’re under God’s wrath. you’re under God’s condemnation. You have no promise of God’s providence providing for you in this life. There is no help in the afflictions and calamities of life. There is no protection against spiritual enemies like the world, the flesh and the death. And you should fear death. Because with it comes eternal misery in hell. If you’re not under the guidance and protection of the great shepherd, Woe unto you. You’re among the goats that will be on his left-hand side. It will be cast into the lake of fire. So ask yourself, where do I stand this morning? Secondly, as a believer, rejoice in the privileges and prospects that you have. Fall in the footsteps of Christ flock. Continue under the immediate guide, immediate guidance. of the shepherd and fear not. Obey Christ’s voice, as you hear it through the word, follow wherever he leads you, and you will be able to say, the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Christ will make you to lie down in green pastures. He will lead you beside the still waters. He will restore your soul. And you will say, surely, goodness, and mercy, mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Christ is working everything for your good in God’s glory. Fear not, that’s what he tells us here. Let us close with a word of prayer.