Chapter Overview
As the sermon on the mount continues, Jesus explains that righteousness is not just about what we do, but also why we do it. To illustrate, Jesus uses three examples: giving, praying, and fasting. Charity is a staple in the disciple’s life, but it must be for God and others, not ourselves. Prayer is a powerful testimony of faith, but it must be about fellowship with God, not the praise of others. Fasting is about focusing on God, not impressing others. This is all about treasure in heaven with God, not this earth. Jesus’ disciples are not worried about the things of this life because they live for heaven. They trust in God, live for Him, and know that He will take care of them if they seek Him above all else.
Jesus touches on sensitive topics in this chapter: giving to the poor, praying faithfully, and fasting from things to give attention to God. These are all challenges in our busy lives. How can we grow in them? Start from a place of love for God and others, and then be thankful for these outlets of praise. Carry that heart into the area of money and worry as well. These have choked out the word in many lives. We cannot serve God and money. We cannot live in anxiety and be courageous in Christ. Put His kingdom first, pray continually, and allow the Spirit to mold you, practicing righteousness from the heart, one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow.
Righteous God, teach us to yearn to serve You daily. Help us to give to others as You bountifully give to us. Humble us to pray privately, grateful that You listen. Strengthen us to fast from earthly things, so we can show You are first in our lives. May we live to store up eternal treasures. Thank you for Christ’s spiritual victory, so we know that life is more than money and possessions and that there is no reason to worry over earthly things. We will seek You first and cast aside worry and fear in Jesus’ name.
Thought Questions
- 1Why do you do righteous things? From charity work to prayer to fasting, how should that be centrally about God and your love for Him?
- 2How does “the Lord’s Prayer” place you in the right state of mind to take on the day in faith? What piece of it means the most to you today?
- 3Are God’s people different when it comes to the allure of wealth and the worries of an uncertain world? How? What sustains us in all of that?