Matthew 6
Main Highlights
Matthew 6 builds upon the Sermon on the Mount by delving into the practical application of genuine righteousness. Jesus passionately teaches His disciples to perform spiritual disciplines—giving, praying, and fasting—with sincere hearts focused on God, not for human acclaim. He further contrasts the temporal pursuit of earthly treasures with the eternal value of heavenly treasures, urging His followers to overcome anxiety by trusting in God's faithful provision for all their needs.
Key Verses
"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full."— Matthew 6:5
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."— Matthew 6:33
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."— Matthew 6:19-20
Scholar Insight
"Matthew 6 is not a call to poverty, but a call to right priorities. It is not a call to asceticism, but a call to sincere worship. It is not a call to laziness, but a call to trust in God's provision." - R. Kent Hughes, The Sermon on the Mount: The Message of the Kingdom
Questions
What do we learn about God?
We learn that God is a Heavenly Father who sees and knows our deepest intentions, rewarding sincerity over outward display, as highlighted in "Your Father who sees in secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:4. He is also a benevolent provider, demonstrating His care for even the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, assuring His children that He will surely provide for their every need if they prioritize His kingdom.
How is Christ Connected?
Jesus is presented as the supreme interpreter of God's will, clarifying what true piety entails, as seen in His teaching, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21. His authority is evident as He provides definitive instructions on prayer, fasting, giving, and anxiety, guiding His disciples towards a lifestyle aligned with the Kingdom of God.
What Theology concept is taught?
The theological concept of divine Providence is centrally featured, illustrating God's meticulous care and foresight in sustaining His creation and providing for His people, "And your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." - Matthew 6:32. This chapter underscores that believers should trust in God's sovereign care, releasing anxiety over material concerns because He actively works to meet their needs.
Do we see Law or Grace?
Matthew 6 reveals the limitations of mere external adherence to the law, emphasizing that God looks upon the heart's true motives rather than outward show, as highlighted by Jesus' warning against performing "your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them." - Matthew 6:1. While Jesus teaches ethical living, the implicit message is that true righteousness, motivated by love for God, requires an inner transformation that only divine grace can effect, moving beyond superficial rule-following.
Personal Application
Believers are called to practice spiritual disciplines—giving, praying, and fasting—with utmost sincerity, seeking God's approval alone, as Jesus instructs, "But when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret." - Matthew 6:6. Our ultimate response should be to prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness above all earthly concerns, resting in His faithful provision rather than succumbing to worry and anxiety.
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