Rather than seeking after material possessions Jesus" disciples should seek after God"s messianic kingdom and the lasting things associated with it. This means preparing oneself for it and becoming an active participant in God"s program leading up to it. Jesus promised that God would provide the material provisions of those who do so. The form of the Greek sentence and the context suggest that God"s provision depends on the disciple"s seeking for His kingdom. This is a conditional promise (cf. Matthew 6:33). The paratactic construction suggests a condition. Parataxis, literally a placing side by side, is the literary device of setting clauses side by side without indicating with connecting words the co-ordinate or subordinate relation between them. Here, as in Luke 10:28 b for example, the first clause contains the condition for the realization of what the second clause contains. [source][source][source]
However we need to understand this promise in the larger context of life in a fallen world. We must realize that sometimes disciples get caught up in the consequences of sin and suffering as do non-disciples. Even though God knows every sparrow that falls to the ground, He allows some to fall ( Matthew 10:29-31). Likewise He allows some of His disciples to experience privation and to die prematurely. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Luke 12:22-34 - The Cure For Anxious Care
Notice this contrast between two kinds of men: the one cares for himself, is anxious for this life, worries about food and clothes and standing a cubit higher in the estimate of his fellows; the other is content to fill the niche and do the work assigned him by the Father. And he performs his life-task, not for the remuneration it will bring, but for the "well-done" of God-sure that all which is needed, whether for his soul or body, will be provided by Him who gave him being. The Father knows thy varied need, trust Him!
Do not think of God as grudging! It is your Father's good pleasure to give. Nothing delights Him more than to be able to "give good things to them that ask Him." For Him also "it is more blessed to give than to receive." Remember that the best investments are those we store, not in banks, etc., but in the lives of others: for God Himself guarantees the interest. [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 12
1Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy 13and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns 22We must not worry about earthly things, 31but seek the kingdom of God; 33give alms; 35be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes 41Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges, 49and look for persecution 54The people must take this time of grace; 57because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation
Greek Commentary for Luke 12:31
[] See note on Matthew 6:33 for this verse. Luke does not have “first” nor “his righteousness” nor “all.” [source]
What do the individual words in Luke 12:31 mean?
Butseek youthekingdomof Himandthese thingswill be addedto you
Greek Commentary for Luke 12:31
See note on Matthew 6:33 for this verse. Luke does not have “first” nor “his righteousness” nor “all.” [source]