Matthew 6 Summary - Quick Bible Study

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MATTHEW 6 SUMMARY IN 5 MINUTES

• WHEN:

  • The birth of Jesus probably occurred around 4 B.C..

  • From Luke 3:23, we know Jesus began His ministry when He was about 30 years old.

  • This would place the events of Jesus’ ministry roughly between 26-31 A.D..

• CHARACTERS:

  • Jesus - The Messiah. The Son of God who came to save the world from sin.

  • Disciples - Men and women who followed Jesus and respected His teachings.

• WHERE:

  • We aren’t told the specific mountain on which these words were spoken.

  • There is a tradition that the Sermon on the Mount was delivered on what has come to be known as the Mount of the Beatitudes, which sits just northwest of the Sea of Galilee.

• OUTLINE: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (MATTHEW 5-7)

  • GIVING TO THE NEEDY WITH THE RIGHT HEART (6:1-6:4):

    • Jesus warned the disciples about practicing religion for the praise of men.

    • When they gave alms to the needy, they were to do it without announcing it.

  • JESUS TEACHES THE DISCIPLES TO PRAY (6:5-6:15):

    • Jesus taught the disciples to pray with genuine hearts.

    • The religious hypocrites liked to pray in public in a very showy way.

    • Jesus told His followers to pray privately and humbly.

    • He modelled a prayer for them... “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

  • FASTING WITH THE RIGHT HEART (6:16-6:18):

    • Fasting was practiced by Jews as a religious devotion in the 1st Century.

    • The religious hypocrites wanted everyone around them to know when they were fasting so they could be admired for their devotion.

    • Jesus told the disciples to practice fasting privately. God would see their devotion and bless them.

  • THE SINGULAR FOCUS OF A DISCIPLE (6:19-6:24):

    • Disciples are to store up treasure in heaven, not on the earth.

    • It is impossible to serve God and money at the same time.

  • DO NOT BE ANXIOUS (6:25-6:34):

    • Jesus told the disciples not to be anxious about their futures.

    • God cared for the birds and the flowers, certainly He would care for them.

    • Jesus taught, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

  • BIG PICTURE:

    • For centuries the common Jews had relied on rabbis to teach them about God.

    • Unfortunately, many of their rabbis were poor guides.

    • This was the people’s opportunity to hear from God Himself.

    • Jesus communicated the heart of God in a way no one else could.

  • APPLICATION:

    • The Bible is filled with stories about God’s provision for His servants.

    • Time and time again we see how God cared for His faithful servants.

    • There is no reason to doubt God will continue to care for the people who love Him.

    • If we devote ourselves to working in His Kingdom, He will take care of us.

    • God is a good Master who takes care of His servants.