Matthew Chapter 6 — The Sermon on the Mount Continued
Jesus teaches about the importance of sincere devotion in prayer and fasting while encouraging believers to trust in God's daily provision instead of worrying.
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Notable Verses
Matthew 6:9-13
“Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth...'”
This section, known as the Lord's Prayer, provides the primary model for prayer in the Christian tradition.
Matthew 6:21
“for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This verse highlights the fundamental connection between a person's priorities and their spiritual focus.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This serves as the central command to prioritize God's purposes over material concerns.
Chapter Summary
In Matthew 6, Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount by addressing the motives behind religious practices. He warns against performing charitable deeds, praying, or fasting for public recognition, emphasizing that the Father rewards those who act in secret. Central to this chapter is the Lord's Prayer, a model for communication with God that focuses on His will and daily provision. Jesus then transitions to teaching about priorities, advising followers to store up eternal treasures in heaven rather than earthly ones, which are subject to decay and theft. He explains the impossibility of serving both God and money (Mammon). The chapter concludes with a call to abandon anxiety about physical needs like food and clothing. By observing how God cares for birds and flowers, Jesus illustrates that those who prioritize God's Kingdom and righteousness will have their needs met, reminding his audience to focus on today's challenges rather than worrying about tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lord's Prayer is a template Jesus provided to teach his disciples how to approach God. It focuses on honoring God's name, seeking His Kingdom, asking for daily needs, and requesting forgiveness and protection from temptation.
Jesus instructs that these acts of righteousness should be done privately rather than for public show. He explains that seeking human approval results in receiving only human recognition, whereas acting in secret ensures a reward from God.
Jesus points to God's care for nature, such as the birds and the lilies, as evidence that He will provide for His children. He argues that worry does not add to one's life and that focusing on God's Kingdom should take priority over material concerns.
Study Note
The term 'Mammon' used in verse 24 is a transliteration of an Aramaic word referring to wealth or property, often personified as a competing master to God.
Related Chapters
Luke 11
Contains a similar version of the Lord's Prayer and further teachings on the importance of persistent prayer.
Matthew 5
The preceding chapter of the Sermon on the Mount which contains the Beatitudes.
Philippians 4
Offers complementary teaching on overcoming anxiety through prayer and trust in God's peace.
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