What Does Jesus Say About Worry in Matthew?

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches against worry, emphasizing that life is more than material needs. He encourages faith by observing God’s care for nature, urging us to seek His kingdom first and live in the present. Trusting God’s provision can lead to peace amid life’s uncertainties. Keep reading for a more in-depth cover.

Worry.

It’s something we’ve all faced at some point.

Whether it’s about money, health, family, or the future, worry can creep into our minds and steal our peace.

But did you know that Jesus had a lot to say about worry, especially in the book of Matthew?

Let’s dive into what He teaches us about dealing with worry and how we can apply His wisdom to our lives.

What Does Jesus Say About Worry in Matthew

Jesus’ Teachings on Worry: A Focus on Matthew 6:25-34

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus addresses the topic of worry head-on.

This passage is part of His famous Sermon on the Mount, where He shares profound insights into living a fulfilling and righteous life.

Here’s a breakdown of what He says:

1. Do Not Worry About Your Life (Matthew 6:25)

Jesus starts with a straightforward command: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.

Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”

Key Takeaway:

Jesus is reminding us that life is more than just our physical needs.

While it’s natural to be concerned about these things, we shouldn’t let them dominate our thoughts.

Life’s true essence goes beyond the material.

2. Look at the Birds and Flowers (Matthew 6:26-30)

Jesus uses nature to illustrate His point.

He says, “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.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

He continues with the flowers:

“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.”

Key Takeaway: Jesus encourages us to observe how God cares for the birds and flowers.

If God provides for them, how much more will He provide for us, His most valued creation?

Worrying doesn’t change our circumstances or extend our lives; it only robs us of our peace.

3. Worry Reflects a Lack of Faith (Matthew 6:30)

Jesus points out a deeper issue:

“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?”

Key Takeaway: Worry often signals a lack of trust in God’s provision.

Jesus is calling us to have faith that God knows our needs and will take care of us.

4. Seek First God’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)

In one of His most well-known verses, Jesus offers a solution to worry:

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Key Takeaway: Jesus urges us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

When we focus on His kingdom and righteousness, everything else falls into place. God will take care of our needs when we put Him first.

5. Do Not Worry About Tomorrow (Matthew 6:34)

Finally, Jesus advises us to live in the present:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Key Takeaway: Jesus teaches us to handle each day as it comes.

Worrying about the future only burdens us with unnecessary stress.

We should trust God with our tomorrows and focus on being present today.

Practical Ways to Apply Jesus’ Teachings on Worry

Understanding what Jesus says about worry is one thing; applying it to our daily lives is another.

Here are some practical steps to help you incorporate His teachings:

1. Practice Gratitude

Start and end your day by counting your blessings.

Focusing on what you have rather than what you lack can shift your mindset from worry to gratitude.

2. Meditate on Scripture

Memorize and reflect on key Bible verses about trust and provision.

Some verses to keep in mind include:

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

3. Focus on Today

Make a conscious effort to live in the moment.

Each day is a gift, and worrying about the future can prevent you from enjoying the present.

4. Prioritize God’s Kingdom

Ask yourself how you can seek God’s kingdom in your daily activities.

Whether it’s through prayer, serving others, or simply aligning your actions with God’s will, prioritize spiritual growth over material concerns.

5. Trust in God’s Provision

Remind yourself regularly that God knows your needs and will provide for you.

Keep a journal of how He has met your needs in the past to encourage your faith in the present.

Conclusion

Worrying is a natural human response, but Jesus invites us to a higher way of living.

By trusting in God’s provision, focusing on His kingdom, and living one day at a time, we can find peace amidst life’s uncertainties.

Remember, Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6:25-34 are not just comforting words—they’re practical advice for a worry-free life.

So next time you’re tempted to worry, take a step back and reflect on Jesus’ words.

You’ll find that with faith, trust, and a focus on God, you can overcome worry and embrace the peace that He offers.

FAQs: What Does Jesus Say About Worry in Matthew?

1. Why does Jesus tell us not to worry in Matthew 6:25?

Jesus tells us not to worry because life is more than just our basic needs like food and clothing.

He encourages us to focus on the bigger picture and trust that God will provide for our needs.

Worrying distracts us from what truly matters and doesn’t add any value to our lives.

2. What can we learn from Jesus’ example of the birds and flowers?

Jesus uses the example of birds and flowers to illustrate God’s care for His creation.

Birds don’t worry about storing food, and flowers don’t stress over how they’ll grow or be clothed.

If God takes care of them, He will surely take care of us too.

This teaches us to trust in God’s provision and not to let anxiety over material needs consume us.

3. How does worry reflect a lack of faith according to Jesus in Matthew 6:30?

Jesus points out that worry can indicate a lack of faith in God’s ability to provide for us.

When we worry, it shows that we might not fully trust that God will meet our needs.

Jesus encourages us to strengthen our faith and believe that God knows what we need and will take care of us.

4. What does it mean to “seek first God’s kingdom” in Matthew 6:33?

“Seek first God’s kingdom” means prioritizing our relationship with God and aligning our lives with His will.

Instead of focusing on our worries and material needs, Jesus teaches us to focus on living righteously and pursuing spiritual growth.

When we do this, God promises that our needs will be met.

5. Why does Jesus say not to worry about tomorrow in Matthew 6:34?

Jesus advises us not to worry about tomorrow because each day has its own set of challenges.

Worrying about the future adds unnecessary stress and takes away from our ability to live fully in the present.

Jesus encourages us to trust God with our future and handle each day as it comes.

6. How can I apply Jesus’ teachings on worry to my daily life?

You can apply Jesus’ teachings on worry by:

Practicing gratitude and focusing on what you have.
Meditating on Scripture that reinforces trust in God’s provision.
Living in the present and not letting future concerns dominate your thoughts.
Prioritizing your spiritual growth and aligning your actions with God’s will.
Trusting in God’s faithfulness and remembering how He has provided for you in the past.

7. Are there other Bible verses that support Jesus’ teachings on worry?

Yes, several other Bible verses support Jesus’ teachings on worry, including:

Philippians 4:6-7: Encourages us to present our worries to God through prayer and experience His peace.
Proverbs 3:5-6: Advises us to trust in God and not rely solely on our own understanding.
1 Peter 5:7: Reminds us to cast all our anxieties on God because He cares for us.

8. What if I still struggle with worry despite knowing Jesus’ teachings?

It’s normal to struggle with worry, even after understanding Jesus’ teachings.

Continually remind yourself of God’s promises and practice the steps outlined in the article.

It might also be helpful to talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or counselor who can provide support and pray with you.

Building a habit of trust and letting go of worry takes time and consistent effort.

9. How does focusing on gratitude help reduce worry?

Focusing on gratitude shifts your attention from what you lack to what you have.

By regularly counting your blessings and acknowledging the ways God has provided for you, you can cultivate a positive mindset that counteracts worry.

Gratitude helps you see the abundance in your life, reducing the tendency to stress over unmet needs.

10. What practical steps can I take to live in the present and not worry about the future?

To live in the present and reduce worry about the future, you can:

Set daily goals and focus on accomplishing what you can today.
Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to stay grounded.
Limit exposure to news or information that triggers anxiety about the future.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and keep you centered in the moment.
Regularly remind yourself of Matthew 6:34 and trust that God holds your future.