What Jesus Did! 'This First!' — Matthew 6:31-33

Friday, March 19, 2021

[Jesus continued:] "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
— Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

Key Thought

What's most important to you? Why is it important? Jesus emphasizes all throughout his ministry that three things are of supreme importance: loving God with all our heart, loving our neighbor as ourselves, and seeking after God's Kingdom. If we do those things, everything else will fall into place; the hand of the Creator will be there helping each thing find its proper place. He knows what we need. He has a plan for our lives. He will meet our needs. Does this mean things will be easy or always go well for us? No. Since our hero was crucified on a cross, we shouldn't think that we're less vulnerable. But God does assure us who seek his Kingdom that we will ultimately get what we seek; we will share with the King in his Kingdom in all of his glory. In addition, in seeking after Kingdom values, we will bless those we love, we will have a redemptive influence on those around us, and we will have all that we really need in life.

Today's Prayer

O gracious Father, help me keep my eyes focused on your Kingdom, my heart centered on you, my mind illuminated by your word, and my spirit empowered and cleansed by your Spirit. Father, please forgive me when I am distracted by things that don't really matter. Use your word, your Spirit, and your people to help call me back to a proper set of priorities. Please bless me as I make your Kingdom and your righteousness my consuming passion. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 8:28-30
  • James 4:13-15
  • Philippians 1:20-21

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 6:31-33 NLT — "So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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