In these verses, Jesus proclaims a promise infinitely greater than anything else we can find in this life. He declares that it is the Father’s good pleasure to freely provide His own kingdom for the eternal provision and enjoyment of His people. Through faith in Christ, God welcomes us into His kingdom, and the King’s everlasting rule and care begins even now.
The picture Jesus paints is of a flock of sheep small enough that the shepherd knows each one personally and intimately. He knows their names. He knows their personalities. He knows what each one is facing. And it is not difficult for Him to shepherd them and provide for them according to their needs. More than this, it is His pleasure to care for this flock. It brings Him great joy to do so. He delights to watch over them and to give them His own presence and provision.
What does He ask in return? “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy.” In other words, He asks that we hold loosely to His earthly provisions now so that through us, He might extend His gracious provision to others and, in the process, increase our own joy for eternity. Notice this is not a payment that secures God’s provision. It is an expression of trust in the provision He has freely promised and provided according to His abundant grace.
Living this way is not easy because our hearts are so powerfully drawn to the things of this world. A heart that treasures Christ and His eternal promises more than the immediate pleasures of this life will overflow into others all around us. We receive a treasure that will never fail, even as others have their genuine needs met, and God is glorified as the all-sufficient Provider.
The gospel promises of Christ are unmatched. May we trust Jesus and let our treasure be His goodness and promises for us.