Third Sunday of Matthew
On the surface, today’s passage seems like feel-good advice: don’t worry, God is in charge.
This is true, but there’s so much more happening here.
We are freed from our worries and anxieties, not to live “happily ever after,” but so that we can focus on what really matters—following God’s instruction for us to care for our neighbor.
And, we aren’t to worry about things in the abstract.
God calls us to action with what can be done here and now.
When we are freed of earthly treasures, then we can seek that treasure which is in heaven.
Scripture: Matthew 6:22-33 (click here to read)
Bottom Line: When you let go of earthly worries, then you can seek Christ.
Discussion Questions
- What anxieties keep you from focusing on the work God puts before us? Jesus tells us not to be anxious, so how can you let go of worldly concerns?
- What are your top three priorities this week? Do these suggest worldly concerns or spiritual concerns? How can you build a habit of making the Kingdom of God a constant priority?
- Jesus tells us that God provides for all the things we need. What things are you thankful for this week that God has provided? How will you make the most of these blessings?
- Solomon thought he had to build a temple to please God, but Jesus said that he would tear the temple down and rebuild it. What “temples” are you trying to build to please God? What steps can you take to let go and trust in God’s blessings instead?
- We are to give first place to God’s Kingdom and what he requires. What do you think that is?
Moving Forward
Today’s passage comes at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, which is Jesus’s instruction about how to seek the Kingdom.
But, instead of listening to what Jesus has taught us, we tend to worry about our own self-image or our own material possessions.
We also worry about how the Church can serve us, how it can meet our needs.
But, Jesus frees us from this so that we can serve the Kingdom.
Instead of asking, “What can the Church do for me?” Ask, “What can I do for others so that I can be ‘Church’ for them?”
This week, how will you make that happen?
Changing Your Mind
“But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
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All of you should read the book, Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives. It’s a book about the man and includes teachings from elder Thaddeus. Tremendous. My wife and I read it aloud during Great Lent this spring.
That’s not one I’ve read yet. I’ll have to put it on my reading list. Thank you.