Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6, shifting from the what to the how of righteousness. He challenges outward religion and calls for sincere, humble devotion—seen not by men, but by God.
This chapter gives us powerful instruction on giving, prayer, fasting, and trusting God. It’s where Jesus teaches us not just what to do—but why and how to do it in the eyes of the Father.
🤲 Give in Secret (Verses 1–4)
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them.” —Matthew 6:1
Jesus warns against seeking attention for your good deeds. Whether it’s giving to the poor or helping someone in need, if you’re doing it to be seen, that applause is all the reward you’ll get.
Instead:
“Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing… and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” —6:3–4
God is not impressed by the show. He’s looking at the heart behind the act.
🙏 Pray with Purpose (Verses 5–15)
Next, Jesus addresses prayer. Again, the issue is motive:
“They love to stand and pray… that they may be seen by others.” —6:5
Instead, go into your room, shut the door, and talk to your Father privately.
Jesus gives us the Lord’s Prayer as a model—not a script, but a guide:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”
This prayer acknowledges:
- God’s holiness (“hallowed be Your name”)
- His kingdom and will over ours
- Daily dependence (“give us this day our daily bread”)
- Forgiveness, both given and received
- Spiritual protection from temptation and evil
Then Jesus adds a firm reminder:
“If you do not forgive others… neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” —6:15
Forgiveness is not optional for followers of Christ. It’s a command that reflects the mercy we’ve received.
🔒 Fast Without the Fuss (Verses 16–18)
Fasting is another spiritual discipline Jesus addresses. He says plainly:
“Do not look gloomy like the hypocrites…” —6:16
They made sure people knew they were fasting—so they’d seem holy. Jesus says when you fast, wash your face, smile, and go about your day normally.
“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Just like giving and praying—fasting is between you and God. The power is in the humility, not the hunger.
💰 Treasure in Heaven (Verses 19–24)
Jesus now turns to materialism, saying:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up treasures in heaven.” —6:19–20
Earthly wealth fades. Rust, moths, thieves—all eat away at it. But heavenly treasure lasts forever.
Then He delivers a piercing line:
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” —6:21
He challenges the spiritual condition behind wealth:
- What do you love most?
- What owns your attention?
- What drives your decisions?
You can’t serve two masters:
“You cannot serve God and money.” —6:24
🕊️ Do Not Be Anxious (Verses 25–34)
Jesus ends the chapter with one of the most comforting and convicting teachings in all of Scripture: do not worry.
“Do not be anxious about your life… Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” —6:25
He points to the birds, which don’t farm or store food—yet God feeds them. And to the flowers, more beautifully dressed than Solomon—yet fleeting.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —6:33
Jesus isn’t saying we shouldn’t work or plan—He’s saying we shouldn’t be consumed by worry.
“Tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” —6:34
✨ Reflection
Matthew 6 is a deep heart-check. Jesus isn’t just teaching righteousness—He’s defining what it looks like in the Kingdom:
- Secret, not showy.
- Humble, not proud.
- God-trusting, not world-chasing.
- Peaceful, not anxious.
If the King of Kings sees you in secret, and loves you enough to clothe the flowers and feed the birds, He will surely care for you too. Your job is to seek Him—first, not last.