Why Jesus Often Used the Word "Consider"
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As I reflect on the teachings of Jesus, I find myself drawn to a specific word He used frequently: consider. This word is not just a casual suggestion but an invitation to deep reflection. It speaks to the heart of Christ's teaching, calling us to engage our minds and spirits in the truth He imparts. In a world where distractions abound, Jesus asks us to consider— to pause, think, and reflect on what truly matters. As I dive deeper into why Jesus used this word so often, I realize that it is more than just a directive; it is an act of love, leading us to wisdom, understanding, and ultimately, transformation.
The Call to Consider
One of the most well-known passages where Jesus uses the word consider is in His Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:28-30, He says:
“And why do you worry about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”
Here, Jesus invites us to consider the lilies, a simple yet profound image. At first glance, this may seem like an odd suggestion. What can we learn from flowers? But Jesus is pointing us to something deeper. He is asking us to look at the natural world and see the hand of God at work. The lilies do not strive or worry, yet God cares for them abundantly. If God provides for the flowers, how much more will He care for us? By considering the lilies, we are drawn into a deeper understanding of God's provision and faithfulness.
This call to consider is not just about the lilies. It is a broader invitation to reflect on all of God's creation and how it reveals His character. When we take the time to consider, we see that the world around us is full of lessons about God's nature, His love, and His care for His creation. Jesus uses this word to direct our attention away from our worries and anxieties and toward the truth of God's goodness.
Consider the Ravens: Lessons in Trust
Another powerful example of Jesus using the word consider is found in Luke 12:24:
“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
In this passage, Jesus calls us to consider the ravens, birds that neither plant nor harvest, yet are provided for by God. Again, the lesson is about trust. The ravens live without the security of stored food, yet they are fed daily. Jesus uses this image to teach us about the importance of relying on God's provision. He is challenging us to let go of our need for control and to trust that God will provide for our needs, just as He does for the birds of the air.
By asking us to consider the ravens, Jesus is teaching us a profound lesson in trust. He knows that worry and anxiety are natural human responses to uncertainty, but He invites us to look beyond our fears and to see the evidence of God's faithfulness in the world around us. When we take the time to consider the ravens, we are reminded that God's care extends to all His creatures, and that we, as His beloved children, are of even greater value to Him.
Consider the Cost: A Call to Discipleship
Jesus also used the word consider when teaching about the cost of discipleship. In Luke 14:28-30, He says:
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and consider the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’”
Here, Jesus is not speaking about the natural world, but about the very serious and practical decision to follow Him. He calls us to consider the cost of discipleship, to reflect on what it means to truly follow Him. Discipleship is not something to be taken lightly. It requires sacrifice, commitment, and perseverance. Jesus uses the example of building a tower to illustrate the importance of thoughtful reflection before making such a significant commitment.
This call to consider the cost of discipleship is a reminder that following Jesus is a deliberate and conscious decision. It is not something we should do impulsively, but rather with careful thought and consideration. Jesus does not want us to be unprepared for the challenges that come with being His disciples. By asking us to consider the cost, He is encouraging us to enter into discipleship with open eyes and a willing heart.
Consider Your Own Heart: A Call to Self-Examination
In addition to reflecting on the world around us and the cost of discipleship, Jesus also calls us to consider our own hearts. In Matthew 7:3, He says:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
Though the word consider is not directly used here, the concept is clear. Jesus is asking us to reflect on our own hearts and actions before we judge others. He is calling us to a deep level of self-examination, to consider our own sins and shortcomings before pointing out the faults of others.
This call to self-examination is central to the Christian life. It is easy to see the flaws in others, but Jesus challenges us to look inward and consider our own need for repentance and transformation. By doing so, we can approach others with humility and grace, rather than judgment and condemnation.
Why Consider Matters Today
In today's fast-paced world, the idea of stopping to consider may seem countercultural. We are constantly bombarded with information, noise, and distractions, making it difficult to find time for reflection. Yet, Jesus' repeated use of the word consider is a reminder that true wisdom and understanding come from taking the time to reflect on God's truth.
When we consider, we are not just thinking passively. We are actively engaging with God's Word, His creation, and our own hearts. We are opening ourselves up to the Holy Spirit's guidance, allowing Him to reveal truths that we might otherwise miss in the busyness of life. Jesus knew the importance of this kind of reflection, which is why He so often called His followers to consider the world around them, the cost of discipleship, and their own hearts.
In my own life, I have found that the moments when I take the time to consider are often the moments when God speaks most clearly. When I pause to reflect on His Word or on the beauty of His creation, I am reminded of His presence and His love. When I consider the cost of following Him, I am challenged to deepen my commitment to Him. And when I consider my own heart, I am humbled by my need for His grace.
Recommended Books to Further Study the Subject
The word consider may seem small, but in the teachings of Jesus, it carries profound weight. It is a call to reflection, to trust, to self-examination, and ultimately, to transformation. Jesus used this word often because He knew that true discipleship requires more than just action—it requires thoughtful, prayerful reflection on the truths of God. As we follow Him, may we take the time to consider all that He has done, all that He is, and all that He calls us to be.
In doing so, we will not only grow in our understanding of His love and grace, but we will also be transformed into His likeness, becoming the people He has called us to be. Let us take the time to consider the lilies, the ravens, the cost of discipleship, and our own hearts, knowing that in these moments of reflection, God is at work, shaping us into His image.
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