“Take No Thought”: 4 Times Jesus Told Us Not to Worry

You can listen to this episode as read on the radio by Adetutu Awonuga

The phrase “Take no thought” appears several times in the Gospels (KJV), and each time, Jesus used it to gently command His followers not to be consumed by anxiety. In today’s world, where worry is almost celebrated as “being responsible,” Jesus’ words are a refreshing call to faith. Here are four times He said it—and what they mean for us today.

1.⁠ ⁠Take no thought for your life (Matthew 6:25)

Jesus said: “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”

Here, Jesus reminds us that life is more than material needs. Worry about food, drink, or clothing can consume us, but the Father who gave us life knows how to sustain it. Philippians 4:6 echoes this truth: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

2.⁠ ⁠Take no thought for tomorrow (Matthew 6:34)

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Jesus calls us to live in today’s grace. Tomorrow is not promised and comes with its own burdens, so why carry double weight? Lamentations 3:23 reassures us that God’s mercies are “new every morning.” That means tomorrow’s troubles will also come with tomorrow’s fresh supply of grace.

3.⁠ ⁠Take no thought how or what you shall speak in persecution (Matthew 10:19)

When preparing His disciples for persecution, Jesus said: “But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.”

This is a promise of the Spirit’s help in moments of pressure. Luke 21:15 reinforces it: “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” We can face trials boldly, knowing God equips us with words, wisdom, and courage in the very moment we need them.

4.⁠ ⁠Take no thought for your needs—the Father knows (Matthew 6:31-32)
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

Jesus is not asking us to be careless but to be confident in the Father’s care. To worry excessively is to live like those who don’t know God. Instead, Matthew 6:33 gives the alternative: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

So, here’s the Point:
In all these passages, Jesus is consistent: worry does not add; it only subtracts. Whether it’s about your daily needs, tomorrow’s uncertainties, or even persecution, His message is clear—take no thought. Instead, trust your heavenly Father who knows, who provides, and who speaks through you.