²⁷ “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor^(A) was dressed like one of these. ²⁸ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!^{(B) 29} And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. ³⁰ For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father^(C) knows that you need them.^{(D) 31} But seek his kingdom,^(E) and these things will be given to you as well.^(F)

³² “Do not be afraid,^(G) little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.^{(H) 33} Sell your possessions and give to the poor.^(I) Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven^(J) that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.^{(K) 34} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.^(L)

Watchfulness^(M)(N)

³⁵ “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, ³⁶ like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. ³⁷ It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.^(O) Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.^{(P) 38} It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. ³⁹ But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief^(Q) was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. ⁴⁰ You also must be ready,^(R) because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

⁴¹ Peter asked, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?”

⁴² The Lord^(S) answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? ⁴³ It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. ⁴⁴ Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.