The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5 - 7
Chapter 6
Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will
wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or
reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you much more valuable than they are?
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow; they do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you
that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the
field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you—you of little
faith?
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run
after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for
tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
What does this mean?
Explanation of Matthew 6:25-34
In this passage, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, He addresses the common human concerns about material needs and
emphasizes the importance of trusting God. Here's a detailed biblical explanation of each part:
"Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will
wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothes?"
- Explanation: Jesus starts by telling His followers not to worry about their basic needs like food and clothing.
He points out that life is more than just material necessities. This implies that there are higher priorities,
such as spiritual well-being and trust in God, that should take precedence over material concerns.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds
them. Aren't you much more valuable than they are?"
- Explanation: Jesus uses the example of birds to illustrate God's provision. Birds do not engage in agricultural
activities like sowing or storing food, yet God takes care of them. He reassures His followers that they are
much more valuable than birds, suggesting that if God provides for the birds, He will certainly provide for His
people.
"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
- Explanation: Jesus highlights the futility of worrying. Worrying does not change or improve our circumstances;
it cannot extend our lives. This statement encourages believers to trust God rather than waste energy on
anxiety.
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow; they do not labor or spin. Yet I tell
you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."
- Explanation: Jesus shifts to the example of flowers to address concerns about clothing. Flowers do not work or
make clothing for themselves, yet they are beautifully adorned by God, even more splendidly than King Solomon,
who was known for his wealth and splendor. This demonstrates God's ability to provide for even the simplest
parts of His creation.
"If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will
He not much more clothe you—you of little faith?"
- Explanation: Jesus points out that if God takes such care in adorning the grass, which is transient and
temporary, He will surely take care of His people, who are of much greater value. He gently rebukes them for
their lack of faith, encouraging them to trust in God's provision.
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run
after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them."
- Explanation: Jesus tells His followers not to be preoccupied with concerns about food, drink, and clothing. He
notes that pagans (those who do not know God) are consumed with chasing after these things. However, God is
aware of their needs and will provide for them. This distinction sets apart those who trust in God from those
who do not.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
- Explanation: Jesus instructs His followers to prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness above all else.
This means living according to God's will and striving for spiritual growth. When they do this, God promises to
provide for their material needs as well.
"Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its
own."
- Explanation: Jesus concludes by advising His followers to focus on the present rather than being anxious about
the future. Worrying about tomorrow adds unnecessary stress, as each day has its own challenges. This encourages
living in the present and trusting God for the future.
Summary:
In this passage, Jesus teaches His followers to trust in God's provision and not to be consumed by worry about
material needs. He uses examples from nature, such as birds and flowers, to illustrate God's care for His creation.
Jesus emphasizes that life is more than material possessions and encourages believers to prioritize seeking God's
kingdom and righteousness. By doing so, they can trust that God will provide for their needs. The passage concludes
with a reminder to focus on the present and trust God for the future, reducing anxiety and fostering faith.
