Matthew 6
Matthew Chapter 6, Explained
Matthew 6 continues the Sermon on the Mount and turns to the hidden life with God. Jesus warns against doing our giving, praying, and fasting as a performance for people to admire, and calls us instead to a quiet devotion that our Father sees in secret. In the middle of it He gives the Lord's Prayer, the model prayer that begins, Our Father which art in heaven.
The second half of the chapter takes aim at worry. Jesus points to the birds and the flowers, cared for by their Maker, and urges us not to be anxious about food and clothing. Instead we are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that our Father knows our needs and will provide.
Key verses from Matthew 6
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Matthew 6:9
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:33
The main point
Matthew 6 is about living for an audience of One and trading anxiety for trust in a Father who provides.
How Matthew 6 points to Jesus
Jesus not only teaches us to pray Our Father, He is the one who makes God our Father, bringing us into the family. He sought the kingdom first all the way to the cross, so that we could be freed from fear and welcomed home.
Want to sit with this chapter for yourself? Open The Living Bread to read Matthew 6 in full, ask any question about it, and pray with others, free.
Read Matthew 6 with its meaning · The book of Matthew: summary · All chapter guides