Prior to Jesus’ discourse on worry, included in His famous Sermon on the Mount, He had just finished proclaiming that it wasn’t possible for anyone to serve two masters. (See Matthew 6:24) Although this concluding statement was regarding money matters, I believe it was also an intentional transition into his next topic.

Therefore,
I say…
do not worry….
Matthew 6:25

Jesus draws a brilliant analogy here! In effect, He is saying, in the same way you cannot serve both money and God, it is also not possible to worry and trust me simultaneously. Additionally, Jesus presents His audience with a series of choices with the latter being worry or trust.

As I consider this, I’m led to wonder how Jesus’ listeners might have received these words. My thoughts gravitate here only as worry isn’t generally associated with choice, but rather the result of circumstances. However, as was His manner, Jesus seemed to be declaring something altogether different. So, in a concerted effort to capture the attention of His audience, Jesus included five thought-provoking questions into His teaching with the most compelling question:

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:27 (NLT)

The answer would obviously be no, of course not. Yet this intentional question was posed for the purpose of challenging His listeners to consider whether worry on any level or for any reason was actually helpful or productive. And once again, I’m pretty sure the unanimous response would’ve been, absolutely not. However, in a zealous desire for His audience to consider every potential source of worry, Jesus continued with further inquiry:

  • Why do you worry about everyday life?
  • Why do you worry about your clothing?
  • Why do you worry about what you will eat or drink?
  • Why did you worry about today? Or even tomorrow?
  • Why be worried by thoughts that dominate those who do not know Yahweh?

Why?

Scripture does not record responses to any of these questions. I would imagine at this point no one knew what to say. More than likely any honest answers would have been something like,
I’m really not sure why I worry, Jesus.

I guess I’m afraid of not having enough.

Or maybe…

I’m concerned about my future, and I feel anxious.

The fact was Jesus was not seeking a response. He doesn’t require answers to understand. He is well acquainted with all things and all people. He sees, He knows, He understands. His motivation for teaching was not intended for condemnation, but rather revelation.

As Jesus winds His teaching to a close, He makes use of two final illustrations. To aid His audience in an understanding of spiritual truths, He draws attention to visuals in the physical world.

LOOK at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them…. Matthew 6:26 (NLT)

…LOOK at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing…. Matthew 6:28 (NLT)

Each of these word pictures that are intended to challenge the listeners to reconsider the value, if any, of worry, are then followed by either a question or comment.

Regarding birds

…And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:26 (NLT)

In reference to flowers

…if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers…he will certainly care for you…. Matthew 6:30 (NLT)

The message was and is clear and personal. You are valuable to God. He cares for you. And these two realities always serve as the primary reasons for assurance and confidence in all circumstances. Jesus never once said worry was a myth, nor did He ever suggest there was nothing to worry about. Instead, He said His Father sees, knows, and cares for His creation.

As Jesus brought His teaching on the woes of worry to a completion, He shared one final truth, one inspiring exhortation, and one word of wisdom.

The truth

…your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Matthew 6:32 (NLT)

The exhortation

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

A word of wisdom

…tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34 (NLT)

In closing, while there will always be circumstances and situations in life worthy of concern, yielding to worry is never helpful. The truth is worry is completely counterproductive in addressing any problems. Further, and far more critically, worry is also a robbery of peace of mind and heart.

Although perhaps not considered an option, worry, like every other response, is actually a matter of choice. We can certainly opt to worry; we have been granted that right. Far better still, however, we can choose to believe that our Heavenly Father is intimately acquainted with our every need, loves us dearly, and will take care of us.

For Reflection

  • Read Matthew 6:25-34 making note of each worry reference.
  • What do these verses reveal about the primary reasons for worry?
  • What specific phrases in this passage bring you hope and confidence regarding God’s care for you?

What practical steps can you take to seek God’s Kingdom (i.e., prayer, worship, Bible reading) instead of choosing to worry?