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

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

[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."

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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

37 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, March 19, 2025

A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Christians must learn again what Christians have always known — how to live without immediate hopes in the world."
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, Thank you for giving us your Spirit, not through works of law but through faith in our hearts. Even Abraham was saved by faith, for he....."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Friend, Two powerful themes from the Bible converge in this one story in today's Scripture about Philip and the Ethiopian dignitary:After My..."

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.