Lesson 18 – Do Not Worry

Matthew 6:25-27

”Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 

 Do Not Worry - Matthew 6:28-30

”And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you – you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ’What shall we eat? 

 Do Not Worry - Matthew 6:31-33

Or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. There do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

In this passage, Jesus addresses the issue of worry and anxiety, particularly related to basic needs such as food, drink, and clothing. He reassures his followers that God, their heavenly Father, is aware of their needs and will provide for them.

Jesus points to the example of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field to illustrate God's care and provision in nature. He highlights that if God takes care of these lesser creations, how much more will He care for and provide for His human children, who are of greater value and significance.

The passage emphasizes the futility of worrying and the inability of worry to add anything of value to one's life. Jesus encourages his followers to shift their focus and trust in God's providence rather than being consumed by worry and anxious thoughts.

Jesus urges his listeners not to be like the pagans who are preoccupied with material concerns. Instead, he directs them to prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness above all else. By seeking God's kingdom first, trusting in His provision, and aligning their lives with His will, they can experience God's abundant provision for their needs.

The passage concludes with the exhortation to live one day at a time, not being burdened by worries about the future. Jesus reminds his followers that each day has its own challenges, and it is more productive and faithful to focus on the present moment and rely on God's guidance and provision for that day.

However, the underlying message encourages believers to trust in God's care, seek His kingdom above all else, and live with a present and faith-filled mindset rather than being consumed by worry and anxiety about material needs.