Matthew 6 is a powerful chapter in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus teaches what it truly means to live a life that honors God. He emphasizes that acts like giving, praying, and fasting should be done with sincerity, not for public approval. Through practical instruction, such as the call to give quietly and pray in private, Jesus reveals that our inner motives matter more than outward appearances. His model prayer—the Lord’s Prayer—teaches us to seek God’s will, depend on Him daily, and pursue forgiveness and guidance with a humble heart.
Jesus also addresses deeper issues of the heart, such as our relationship with money, anxiety, and trust in God’s provision. He warns against storing up earthly treasures and encourages believers to focus on eternal values, reminding us that we cannot serve both God and wealth. Instead, He invites us to seek God’s kingdom first, promising that our needs will be met. These teachings remain deeply relevant today, offering both spiritual clarity and practical direction. Keep reading to explore how you can apply these timeless truths to your daily life and walk more closely with God.
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, Jesus gives us profound insights into living a life that pleases God. This chapter is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus shares wisdom on various aspects of life, including giving to the needy, prayer, fasting, and the proper attitude towards wealth. Let’s delve into these teachings and understand their relevance to our lives today.
Giving to the Needy
Jesus starts Matthew 6 by teaching about giving to the needy. He emphasizes the importance of the motive behind our actions. It’s not about seeking recognition but about genuine care and compassion.
Secret Generosity
“When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). This verse highlights the importance of giving discreetly. The focus should be on helping others, not on receiving praise. Jesus assures us that God sees our acts of kindness and will reward us accordingly.
Authentic Generosity
Jesus warns against hypocrisy. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets” (Matthew 6:2). It’s a reminder that our giving should be sincere, stemming from a desire to help rather than a need for acknowledgment.
Prayer: A Personal Connection with God
Prayer is a central theme in Matthew 6. Jesus teaches that prayer should be a private and sincere conversation with God.
The Lord’s Prayer
Jesus provides a model for prayer, known as the Lord’s Prayer. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:9-13).
This prayer is a perfect blend of praise, supplication, and confession. It acknowledges God’s sovereignty, asks for daily provision, seeks forgiveness, and requests guidance and protection.
Private Prayer
Jesus encourages us to pray in solitude: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:6). The essence of prayer lies in a personal and intimate relationship with God, not in public displays of piety.
Fasting: A Spiritual Discipline
Fasting is another practice Jesus addresses in Matthew 6. Like giving and praying, fasting should be done with the right intentions.
Sincere Fasting
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do” (Matthew 6:16). Jesus instructs us to fast with a joyful spirit, not seeking sympathy or admiration from others. True fasting is about humbling ourselves before God and focusing on spiritual growth.
Private Fasting
“Put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting” (Matthew 6:17-18). The goal is to maintain normalcy and keep the act between you and God. This ensures that the fasting is genuine and not performed for show.
Wealth and Worry
In the latter part of Matthew 6, Jesus shifts focus to our attitude towards wealth and the worries of life.
Treasures in Heaven
“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” (Matthew 6:19-20). Jesus advises us to prioritize spiritual riches over material wealth. Earthly possessions are temporary, but heavenly treasures are eternal.
A Clear Focus
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light” (Matthew 6:22). Here, Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye to illustrate the importance of a clear focus. If our focus is on God and His righteousness, our lives will reflect His light.
Serving Two Masters
“No one can serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Jesus makes it clear that divided loyalties lead to instability. Our devotion should be towards God, not wealth.
Do Not Worry
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life” (Matthew 6:25). Jesus addresses common anxieties about food, drink, and clothing. He reminds us of God’s provision, urging us to trust Him. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Focusing on God’s kingdom reassures us that our needs will be met.
Practical Applications
Now that we’ve explored the teachings of Matthew 6, let’s discuss how to apply them in our daily lives.
Giving with a Pure Heart
When you give, do it quietly. Help others without seeking recognition. Whether it’s donating to a charity or helping a neighbor, let your actions speak of your love and compassion.
Developing a Strong Prayer Life
Make time for personal prayer. Find a quiet place where you can connect with God without distractions. Use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide, but also speak from your heart. Share your thoughts, concerns, and gratitude with God.
Practicing Sincere Fasting
If you choose to fast, do it with joy and sincerity. Use the time to draw closer to God, seeking spiritual renewal. Keep your fasting private, focusing on your relationship with God rather than the opinions of others.
Prioritizing Spiritual Wealth
Evaluate your priorities. Are you focused on accumulating material possessions, or are you investing in your spiritual growth? Aim to store treasures in heaven by living a life of faith, love, and service.
Trusting God’s Provision
When worries arise, remember Jesus’ words. Trust in God’s provision and seek His kingdom first. Practice gratitude and focus on the present, knowing that God cares for you.
Conclusion
Matthew 6 offers timeless wisdom for living a life that honors God. By giving with a pure heart, developing a strong prayer life, practicing sincere fasting, prioritizing spiritual wealth, and trusting God’s provision, we can align our lives with Jesus’ teachings. Embrace these principles and let them guide your journey of faith.
FAQs on Matthew 6: Understanding Jesus’ Teachings
1. What is the main message of Matthew 6?
Matthew 6 focuses on the importance of sincerity in our actions, whether it’s giving to the needy, praying, or fasting. Jesus teaches that our motives should be pure and that we should seek to please God rather than seeking human approval.
2. Why does Jesus emphasize giving in secret?
Jesus emphasizes giving in secret to highlight that our acts of kindness should be genuine and not performed for recognition. When we give without seeking attention, our motives are pure, and God, who sees in secret, will reward us.
3. What is the significance of the Lord’s Prayer?
The Lord’s Prayer serves as a model for how we should pray. It encompasses praise, supplication, and confession. It acknowledges God’s sovereignty, asks for daily needs, seeks forgiveness, and requests guidance and protection.
4. How should we approach fasting according to Matthew 6?
According to Matthew 6, fasting should be a private and sincere practice. Jesus instructs us to fast with a joyful spirit, maintaining normalcy so that the act remains between us and God, ensuring that our fasting is genuine and not for show.
5. What does Jesus mean by “storing treasures in heaven”?
Storing treasures in heaven means prioritizing spiritual growth and good deeds over accumulating material possessions. Jesus teaches that earthly possessions are temporary, but spiritual investments are eternal and more valuable.
6. How can we apply Jesus’ teachings on worry in our daily lives?
To apply Jesus’ teachings on worry, we should trust in God’s provision and focus on seeking His kingdom first. By practicing gratitude and focusing on the present, we can alleviate anxiety, knowing that God cares for our needs.
7. Why does Jesus say we cannot serve both God and money?
Jesus states that we cannot serve both God and money to highlight the conflict of divided loyalties. Devotion to wealth can distract us from our spiritual responsibilities and relationship with God. Jesus calls for undivided loyalty to God.
8. What is the metaphor of the eye in Matthew 6?
The eye as the lamp of the body metaphor emphasizes the importance of a clear focus. If our focus is on God and His righteousness, our lives will reflect His light and guidance. A healthy spiritual perspective illuminates our entire being.
9. How can I develop a strong prayer life?
To develop a strong prayer life, set aside regular time for personal prayer. Find a quiet place to connect with God, use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide, and speak from your heart. Share your thoughts, concerns, and gratitude with God.
10. What does Jesus teach about the right attitude towards wealth?
Jesus teaches that our attitude towards wealth should prioritize spiritual over material riches. We should focus on storing treasures in heaven by living a life of faith, love, and service, and trust God for our material needs.
