Matthew 6
In the early part of Mark chapter 6, we see Jesus returning to His hometown, Nazareth. The people of His hometown are amazed by His wisdom and power, but they doubt Him based only on where He is from and His family relationships. His statement, "A prophet is not honored in his own country and among his own people and in his own house" (verse 4), suggests that prejudice can block an open heart. It is also worth noting that because of this, Jesus did not perform many miracles there.
1verse“Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
2verseTherefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
3verseBut when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does,
4verseso that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
5verse“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.
6verseBut you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7verseIn praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.
8verseTherefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.
9versePray like this: “‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
10verseLet your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
11verseGive us today our daily bread.
12verseForgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
13verseBring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
14verse“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15verseBut if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
16verse“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
17verseBut you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
18verseso that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.
19verse“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal;
20versebut lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal;
21versefor where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22verse“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light.
23verseBut if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
24verse“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.
25verseTherefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26verseSee the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?
27verse“Which of you by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?
28verseWhy are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin,
29verseyet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.
30verseBut if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith?
31verse“Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’
32verseFor the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33verseBut seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
34verseTherefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
The Sending Out of the Twelve Disciples (Verses 7-13)
Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs, giving them authority and instructing them to proclaim the gospel. He tells them to go with only what they need, and if a place does not receive them, they should leave while shaking the dust off their feet. This scene shows how faith, simplicity, and a steady, resolute attitude are needed when doing God’s work.
The Death of John the Baptist (Verses 14-29)
In this section, Herod hears reports about Jesus and recalls what he had done in the past when he executed John. The death of John the Baptist shows what the cost can be for boldly proclaiming God’s will amid the political and religious conditions of the time. It ends tragically, but it makes us think again about what it means to live according to the truth.
The Miracle of the Five Loaves (Verses 30-44)
Jesus has compassion on the crowd and performs the miracle of the five loaves (feeding five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish). This event shows Jesus’ compassion and power—and how a person’s small act of commitment can become a great work. The twelve baskets of leftover pieces after feeding the crowd symbolize God’s overflowing provision.
Jesus Walking on the Sea (Verses 45-52)
When the disciples are struggling in a storm, Jesus comes walking across the sea to them. The disciples are afraid, but Jesus says, "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid." Even in human weakness and fear, Jesus comes and helps us, showing that this is a moment when our faith grows deeper.
Healing in Gennesaret (Verses 53-56)
When Jesus arrives in Gennesaret, people bring the sick to Him, and everyone who touches Him is healed. The people believed in Jesus’ power and followed Him, and Jesus continually had compassion on them. This passage emphasizes that Jesus is the door of salvation opened to everyone.
Reflection Points
- Overcoming stereotypes and faith: Take a moment to check whether you have a broad perspective that does not limit how God works or restrict people.
- The value of commitment: Reflect on how small obedience can lead to great things, using the miracle of the five loaves as an example.
- Faith that goes beyond fear: Think about the attitude of faith that looks to Jesus amid life’s storms.
Applying It to Myself
- Consider whether, because of the environment I am familiar with or a fixed viewpoint, I might be limiting God’s work.
- Even in places in life that seem small and ordinary, believe that a small act of commitment to God can bring about a great change.
- In moments of fear and anxiety, seek peace with the confidence that Jesus is with you.
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