In Matthew Chapter 6, part of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, we find some of the most practical and challenging teachings about living a life that reflects the values of God’s kingdom. Jesus invites His followers to a radical reorientation of priorities—one that transcends religious performance and societal pressures, calling us into a life rooted in trust, humility, and devotion.
1. Practicing Righteousness Without Seeking Attention (Verses 1-18)
The chapter opens with Jesus cautioning His listeners against performing acts of righteousness merely to gain human praise. He addresses three key practices: giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting. In each case, the focus is clear—do it for God, not for show.
- Giving: Jesus instructs us to give in secret, emphasizing that our Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward us. This shifts the motivation from public approval to genuine compassion.
- Prayer: The famous Lord’s Prayer is introduced here, offering a model of simple, sincere communication with God. Jesus contrasts this with the empty repetition of words aimed at impressing others.
- Fasting: Once again, the theme is secrecy—fasting should be a private act of devotion, not a public display of piety.
2. Treasures in Heaven: What Do We Truly Value? (Verses 19-24)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). This passage challenges us to reflect on what we treasure most. Earthly treasures, no matter how enticing, are temporary. Jesus calls us to invest in things with eternal significance.
The key takeaway here is about focus. Where our treasure is, our heart will follow. Jesus also points out the impossibility of serving two masters: “You cannot serve both God and money” (verse 24). This verse hits hard in a culture driven by materialism. It urges us to choose wisely who or what will truly master our lives.
3. Trusting God for Daily Needs (Verses 25-34)
The chapter closes with a beautiful and reassuring message: God is our provider. Jesus tells us not to worry about our life—what we will eat, drink, or wear. He points to the birds of the air and the flowers of the field as examples of God’s provision.
This passage is a call to live with faith over fear. Worry doesn’t add a single hour to our lives; instead, Jesus encourages us to seek God’s kingdom first, trusting that everything we need will be given to us in its time.
Key Lessons from Matthew Chapter 6
- True righteousness comes from the heart—genuine devotion to God, not external recognition.
- Our priorities shape our lives—invest in what truly matters.
- Trust in God leads to peace—He knows our needs and is faithful to provide.
Closing Thoughts
Matthew Chapter 6 invites us to live a life of quiet righteousness, heavenly priorities, and unshakable trust in God’s provision. It challenges us to step away from the world’s noise and focus on what truly matters: loving God, serving others, and trusting Him with all aspects of life.
By reorienting our hearts in this way, we begin to reflect the kingdom of God in our everyday actions—living not for ourselves, but for something far greater.
Michael J McCluskey 