What is the meaning of Matthew 6:11? Immediate context Jesus tells His followers, “Therefore pray in this way: ‘Our Father in heaven…’ ” (Matthew 6:9). Nestled in the middle of that model prayer is the simple request, “Give us this day our daily bread” (v. 11). By placing the petition right after God’s kingdom and will, Jesus teaches that everyday needs matter to the Father (Luke 11:2-4; Philippians 4:6-7). The petition: “Give” • We ask, not demand—recognizing God as the generous Giver of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). • The word is active: God supplies, not merely observes (Psalm 145:15-16; Acts 14:17). • Faith bows before His sovereignty: He decides the portion and timing (Job 1:21). The recipients: “us” • Prayer is communal; God’s family stands together in need (Ephesians 2:19). • Intercession flows naturally—we seek provision for neighbors as well as ourselves (Philippians 2:4; Acts 2:44-47). • This shared plea combats selfishness and nurtures unity (Romans 12:13). The timing: “this day” • God invites fresh dependence every morning, echoing the manna cycle in Exodus 16:4. • Yesterday’s answers build faith; today’s request renews it (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Worry subsides when we focus on today, exactly as Jesus commands later in the chapter (Matthew 6:34; Hebrews 3:13). The provision: “daily” • The phrase underscores sufficiency, not surplus (Proverbs 30:8). • He meets needs, not greeds—cultivating contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8). • Daily reliance trains the heart to trust rather than hoard (Luke 12:15-21). The substance: “bread” • Literal food is in view; God cares for physical bodies He created (Psalm 104:14-15; 1 Peter 5:7). • Bread stands for all essential needs—shelter, clothes, livelihood (Deuteronomy 8:3-4; Matthew 6:25-32). • Yet physical bread also points to Christ, “the bread of life” who satisfies eternally (John 6:35; John 6:51). • Receiving daily bread reminds us to share it (2 Corinthians 9:10-11; James 2:15-16). Living it out • Start each day acknowledging need and God’s promise to provide. • Practice gratitude when provisions arrive—meals, paychecks, unexpected help (Colossians 3:15-17). • Extend God’s provision to others: support missionaries, stock a food pantry, invite someone to dinner (Hebrews 13:16). • Refuse anxious stockpiling; choose generous stewardship instead (Proverbs 11:24-25). summary “Give us this day our daily bread” invites humble dependence on the Father who delights to supply tangible needs one day at a time. The request is corporate, content with enough, and open-handed toward others, grounding physical provision in the greater reality of Christ Himself—the true Bread who sustains now and forever. |
    |