Written ~ 01-08-2024
Read Matthew Chapter Six
Matthew 6
Matthew chapter six is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount. In verses 6:1-4 we are given words of caution, it is important that we not “show off” in our giving, proclaiming to the world how much we help the needy or give to the church.
In verses 6:5-13 Jesus tells us the best way we should pray. We are not to stand on the street corners praying loudly for everyone to hear how “righteous” we think we are.
Matthew 6:14-18 talks about forgiveness and about our outward conduct while fasting. Do we hold onto unforgiveness? Are we making it obvious to everyone around that we are suffering in our time of fasting so we can get sympathy?
Verses 6:19-34 have some of the most well-known topics in the Bible, like don’t store up your treasures here on earth, but in Heaven. We can’t serve two masters. And we must not worry about everyday life.
When Jesus speaks to us in this portion of the Sermon on the Mount, have you noticed how He gives us words of caution or warning about what we shouldn’t be doing, but follows up immediately with what we should be doing? Jesus wants us to live successful Christian lives. He doesn’t go around pointing out everything we are doing wrong and expect us to figure things out on our own. That would be disastrous! No, these are wonderful teaching moments. Visualize yourself sitting on that hillside absorbing everything Jesus is saying. Your eyes are open wide, you’re hearing things that maybe you have never thought of before, but you know change needs to happen in your own life. Jesus seems to be speaking right into your own heart, like no one else is around.
Do you call attention to yourself when you are helping the needy or when you are praying? Do you make sure everyone knows you have given the largest chunk of money or the biggest gift? Do you pray the loudest, so everyone can hear your beautiful words of wisdom and words of praise to the Father? Is it recognition you are seeking? And during a time of fasting, do you tell everyone that you are fasting just so they can see how much you’re suffering for the Lord?
Well, Jesus is making it very clear that we are not to behave in that sort of way. He does not want us acting as the hypocrites do.
Verse 6:4 says, “Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Verse 6:6 says, “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Verse 6:17-18, “But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Have you noticed what is says about the Father in these referenced verses?
“And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Our Father in Heaven sees all that we are doing. He is watching our every action. He sees how we treat others. He notices the way we speak to one another. He sees if our motives are only for the sake of gaining recognition from others. This can be a tough lesson if we are in the habit of seeking the approval or attention from others. It is God, the Father, who cares for us so deeply and who wants our full attention. When we do things to further the Lord’s Kingdom, through our gifts, through prayer and fasting with only an audience of One, can we be OK with that?
Verse 6:21 says, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will be also.”
Is it your desire to please others and to make sure they see how righteous and godly you are? Do you treasure the accolades you are given here on earth far more than the treasures you are storing up in Heaven?
Jesus does not mince words here, He makes it very clear we are to serve the God and not the world. Verse 6:24 says, “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
Examine your heart today. Are you constantly worrying about the future and the treasures you have stored up here on earth? Do you dominate your thoughts with how to please other people and worry about what they think?
Or is it your priority to, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (verse 6:33)
My prayer today is that each of us would be mindful of our outward intentions. Jesus does not want us to act like hypocrites. Our devotion to the Lord should be inward, storing up rewards in Heaven, but our outward actions should be a proclamation of that love and adoration we have for our Savior, not for receiving praise from others.
Thank you Lord Jesus for teaching me these valuable lessons. Help me to keep in mind, always, that my Father in Heaven sees everything I am doing and I should seek His reward above anything else.
~AMEN~