What is the meaning of Matthew 6:31? Therefore do not worry “Therefore do not worry” (Matthew 6:31) sits on the firm foundation of Jesus’ earlier words that our heavenly Father perfectly cares for birds and lilies (Matthew 6:26–30). Worry is a response of unbelief, not a harmless habit. Scripture treats it as a misplaced focus that crowds out trust. • Philippians 4:6 grounds freedom from anxiety in prayerful gratitude: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” • 1 Peter 5:7 commands believers to cast every care on the Lord because He cares personally. • Psalm 55:22 promises that God will sustain the one who rolls burdens onto Him. The call is direct: refuse to entertain anxiety. Since the Father’s care is certain, worry becomes unnecessary as well as sinful. …saying, “What shall we eat?” Food represents the most basic daily need. Jesus addresses the natural human urge to secure tomorrow’s meals, reminding His followers to place dependence where it belongs. • Exodus 16 recounts daily manna—God’s deliberate training ground in trust that discouraged stockpiling. • Psalm 37:25 offers David’s testimony: “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” • Luke 12:24 repeats the bird illustration: “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap… yet God feeds them.” The promise is not indulgence but provision. As disciples pursue the kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), the Father faithfully supplies food that sustains service and worship. …or “What shall we drink?” Water was scarce in Israel’s arid climate, making this concern vivid. Yet Jesus links it to the same prohibition against worry. • In Exodus 17:1–7 God brings water from the rock, proving His ability to quench thirst in a desert. • Isaiah 41:17–18 foretells the Lord opening rivers for the poor and needy when they seek water. • John 4:14 records Jesus promising living water that eternally satisfies. The lesson: the One who can bring streams from stone is trustworthy for tomorrow’s cup. Anxiety over drink denies His past record and present power. …or “What shall we wear?” Clothing shields from heat, cold, and shame. Jesus addresses it last, completing the trio of daily necessities. • Genesis 3:21 shows God Himself providing garments for Adam and Eve, covering both need and dignity. • Deuteronomy 8:4 reminds Israel that during forty wilderness years “Your clothes did not wear out.” • Luke 12:27 celebrates lilies clothed better than Solomon, underscoring the Father’s lavish care. Believers may work diligently, yet they rest in the Father’s wardrobe plan, knowing He fits them for every season and station. summary Matthew 6:31 is a loving command to abandon anxiety over life’s essentials—food, drink, clothing—because the heavenly Father’s care is absolute and personal. Worry adds nothing, subtracts joy, and questions God’s faithfulness. Trust, expressed through prayerful dependence and kingdom-first living, opens the door to daily provision that glorifies Him and satisfies His children. |
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