King James Bible
"If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?"
Jesus points to God's care for even the simplest vegetation, using 'clothe' to describe how beautifully God adorns wildflowers and grass. This establishes the foundation of his argument from lesser to greater—if God attends to plants, surely he cares for people. The grass's fleeting existence emphasizes its insignificance—it lives briefly before being burned as fuel in clay ovens, a common practice in ancient Palestine. This temporal contrast heightens the comparison between temporary plants and eternal human souls. The rhetorical question drives home the logical conclusion: humans, made in God's image, will certainly receive greater provision than grass. Jesus uses this reasoning to combat anxiety about material needs like clothing. This gentle rebuke reveals the heart issue—worry stems from insufficient trust in God's character and promises. Jesus challenges his disciples to align their faith with the evidence of God's faithful provision throughout creation.