And he said unto his disciples
Having finished the parable which he spake to the whole audience
in common, he directed himself to his disciples, who were poor,
and apt to be over anxious about their living in the world:
therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life,
what ye
shall eat.
The Ethiopic version adds, "and what ye shall drink"; and so a
manuscript in Gonvill and Caius College in Cambridge, which seems
to be transcribed from ( Matthew 6:27
) life is very near and dear to man; all that a man has, he will
give for it; and it is his duty to be careful to preserve it, and
to make use of means for the support of it; but then, as he
should not be dainty about the food he eats, and should refuse no
good creature of God, but receive it with thanksgiving, so he
should not distress himself for fear of wanting bread, nor
distrust the promises of God, and a supply from him; but should
cast all his care upon the Lord, who daily cares for him:
neither for the body, what ye shall put on:
it is highly proper and necessary that the body should be
clothed, partly for decency, and partly to secure it from the
inclemency of the weather; but then persons should not be
difficult and over nice about what they wear, nor be distressed,
fearing they should be clothed with rags; but should trust in the
Lord, who gives food and raiment, and all things richly to enjoy.