Read Genesis 3:1–24

What happens when you are accused of wrongdoing? Do you own up to your error or blame someone else? In the opening chapters of Genesis, God established true, authentic, and meaningful communication. But in chapter 3, communication breaks down. The pure communion between God and man, as well as husband and wife are corrupted.

In his book, The Trauma of Transparency: A Biblical Approach to Interpersonal Communication, J. Grant Howard examines Genesis 3 and the devastating impact of the Fall. He highlights how Adam and Eve responded to the presence of sin and shame by hiding themselves, hurling accusations, and telling half-truths. As soon as Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit (v. 6), “the eyes of both of them were opened” (v. 7). They understood good from evil and felt their own sense of guilt. Their nakedness became a source of shame, so they used the most available resource to create a covering to camouflage their vulnerability.

When the Lord God came walking through the garden, their embarrassment and insecurity drove them to another level of concealment. They tried to hide from Him (v. 8) —a pitiful and pointless endeavor. The Lord called: “Where are you?” (v. 9)—knowing full well what had happened. Adam responded, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid” (v. 10). The open communion they had previously enjoyed was now irreversibly damaged. God mercifully responded—not with condemnation—but with questions, gently paving the road to confession (v. 11). Both Adam and Eve finally admitted to eating the fruit, but only after pointing the finger at another. They both deflected the blame to alleviate their shame.

Go Deeper

In what ways have you responded to guilt? What do we learn from today’s passage about communicating when we are at fault?

Pray with Us

Merciful Father, thank You for being gentle to us in our shame and guilt. When we are tempted to condemn others, remind us of Your perfect example. Guide us in paths of righteousness!

But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”Genesis 3:9–10

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Read Genesis 2:15–25

The Latin word communis means “common” or “shared by all.” It is the root for communication, community, communion, and commune. Community can form around our shared interests, values, purpose, resources, or responsibility. Communis implies a reciprocal relationship; community members give and receive within this shared culture.

The concept of communis is central to the story of creation. In Genesis 2:15, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” According to The Moody Bible Commentary, the emphasis here was not on the gardening assignment—as is often communicated. Instead, God is the subject, and His main action is the “taking” and “putting” of Adam. In the Hebrew, the verb for “put” means “to set him at rest.” This rest God intended for Adam in the Garden of Eden was not primarily a physical rest. After all, Adam was given work to do! Rather, this rest was “an all- encompassing rest of faith.”

The Moody Bible Commentary continues: “God immediately placed him in that state for which man was originally intended, the state of being in full relationship with God, the state of being at spiritual rest in and with Him.” Thus, man was created to commune—primarily with God.

However, God also created humans to live in community. The only aspect of creation that God declared “not good” was Adam’s lack of human partnership (v. 18). When the animals were brought before Adam, he used language to give them names—just as God had done (v. 19). But the suitable “helper” for Adam was not found, so God fashioned for Adam a perfect partner, Eve. Adam’s first recorded words are a poetic declaration of their complementary (v. 23), enduring (v. 24), and unabashed union (v. 25).

Go Deeper

Where have you experienced reciprocal community in your life? Where is God calling you to grow in communion?

Pray with Us

How easily we grow distracted and forget that we were created to commune with You, God! There is nothing better than spiritual rest in and with You. Help us fix our eyes on You.

The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”Genesis 2:23

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Read Genesis 1:1–31

In The Sound of Music, governess Maria teaches a music lesson to the seven Von Trapp children by singing: “Let’s start at the very beginning; a very good place to start.” For our study on what the Bible says about communication, we will also begin at the very beginning. It’s an essential place to start.

Of course, many Bible studies find their origin in Genesis chapter 1— as they should. Much of our theology and our understanding of the world must start with this account. From this foundational passage, we learn that God is beautiful and creative, powerful and ordered. He is perfect, compassionate, and the origin of life itself. The world He created was also perfectly ordered and able to sustain life.

But for the purpose of this study, we are going to focus on another attribute of God that is equally evident in today’s passage—but perhaps less extolled. Genesis 1 not only proclaims God as Creator; it also presents Him as Communicator.

In Genesis 1, we watch as God speaks the world into being. With divine commands, He produced the light (v. 3), the sky (v. 6), the seas, earth, and vegetation (vv. 9–11), the sun, moon, and stars (v. 14), the fish and birds (v. 20), and the animals (v. 24). Then, in a second communicative act, He gave names to many of His created works: “day and night” (v. 5), “sky” (v. 8), “land and seas” (v. 10). One of the most fundamental functions of language is to label the world around us.

God ascribed value to His creation, pronouncing it “good.” He then used language to bless His creatures and instruct them toward flourishing (vv. 22, 28). Most importantly, God revealed Himself as One we are able to know.

Go Deeper

What part of communication are you curious to learn more about? Pray that God will open your heart to hear Him speak to you this month—through His Word, His Spirit, and His world.

Pray with Us

Lord, we are eager to dig into what the Bible says about communication this month. Please show us how we can use our communication to honor You and know You better.

For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.Psalm 33:9

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Read Matthew 7:28–29

A Roman centurion asked Jesus to heal his servant (Matt. 8:5–13). Shall I come to your home? Jesus asked. The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

In this encounter the centurion’s faith was expressed in his straightforward description of Jesus’ authority. The crowds listening to the Sermon on the Mount were similarly amazed at Jesus (v. 28). His disciples were amazed at His statement about how hard it was for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:24). In addition, the crowds were astonished at His answer to the Sadducees regarding the resurrection of the dead (Matt. 22:32–33).

In each of these cases, Jesus spoke with authority in contradicting popular opinion, common interpretations of the Law, or the religious leaders of the day. The Sermon on the Mount specifically conveyed authority that was “not as their teachers of the law” (v. 29). Jesus had asserted His divine authority throughout His ministry, for example, His authority to forgive sins (Matt. 9:6). The Great Commission that we obey today is founded on this: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18).

What were the religious leaders of Jesus’ day missing? They had layered over God’s Word with traditions and legalism. They had no heart to obey. They were not seeking to draw near to the Lord. Jesus, on the other hand, is the Author of all Scripture!

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Pray with Us

Thank You for the truths You’ve taught us from Your Word this month, Father. Help us follow the commands You have given us. You are worthy of our obedience and our praise!

He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.Matthew 7:29

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Read Matthew 7:24–27

Have you ever played Jenga? In this game, players take turns removing wooden blocks from below, then re-placing them higher up. Everything must balance, but as the game goes on, the structure becomes increasingly unstable. When the tower collapses, the game ends.

As we near the end of Matthew 7, Jesus once again uses true and false contrasts to challenge everyone hearing or reading the Sermon on the Mount. He first describes a wise man who built his house on a foundation of rock (vv. 24–25). As a result, when the storm came, the house stood firm. This describes “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice,” that is, obeys them.

By contrast, a foolish man built his house on a foundation of sand (vv. 26–27). As a result, when the storm came, the house collapsed. In fact, “it fell with a great crash.” This describes “everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice” that is, disobeys them (also see Ezek. 33:31).

Wisdom, obedience, life, and endurance or perseverance all go together. In the same way, foolishness, disobedience, death, and destruction all go together. These are the two ways the two gates lead to in Matthew 7:13–14. Jesus Himself said He is the one and only way to God (John 14:6). And Scripture also testifies that God is the Rock (Ps. 18:2; 62:2). Lives built on the Rock won’t be spared the storms of life, but they will be able to endure them. Lives built on sand, on the other hand, will ultimately collapse: Jesus never knew them.

Jesus’ challenge or exhortation is clear: Obey My words. As He also said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).

Go Deeper

On what is your house built? Are you like the foolish man, building your life on things that will ultimately collapse? In what ways can we put Christ’s words into practice?

Pray with Us

We build our lives on You, our Rock. We are grateful for Your constant presence with us. We know that You will never leave us, even when things feel hard. Praise be to God!

It did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.Matthew 7:25

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Read Matthew 7:21–23

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory,” Jesus said, “and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” This judgment parable is marked by surprise and simplicity. Both sides express surprise to which Jesus responds simply, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (see Matt. 25:31–46).

Similar dynamics are found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7, the people condemned to hell are surprised. They say to the Lord, “Did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” (v. 22). And Jesus responds simply, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (v. 23).

How is this possible? How could people do amazing things in the name of Christ and yet He never knew them? Because there really are false teachers, false prophets, and false disciples out there! Despite appearances, their fruit is rotten at the core. Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 21).

How can we tell the difference between true and false? In the context of following Christ—not one’s initial salvation—the difference is simple. “The one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” is the true disciple (v. 21; Mark 3:35). The fact is that miracles can come from supernatural sources other than God. But only true disciples obey God. That’s why “evildoers” (v. 23) can also be translated “lawbreakers.” While we can sometimes be mistaken about “fruit,” God’s judgment is perfectly accurate and just.

Go Deeper

Today is a good day for self-examination. Are you an obedient follower of Christ? Can others see it in your “fruit,” that is, your words and actions?

Pray with Us

Father, we are grateful for the assurance of our salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for saving us. Help us obey You wholeheartedly.

Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”Matthew 7:23

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Read Matthew 7:17–20

On the island of Crete there stands an olive tree estimated to be 3,000 years old. Called “the Olive Tree of Vouves” (the village in which it’s located); it welcomes 20,000 visitors per year. If you’re unable to go in person, a three-dimensional model of the tree can be found online.

Astonishingly, this ancient tree still bears fruit. Which fruit? Olives, of course! (Yes, olives are a fruit.) What else would it bear? Olive trees bear olives. Apple trees bear apples. Peach trees bear peaches. Fig trees bear figs. The same consistency we find in nature is also found in the spiritual realm. The same litmus test we apply to false prophets can also be applied to all self-identified followers of Christ. Some are true, but some are false. The latter will be “thrown into the fire,” that is, sent to hell (v. 19; Matt. 25:46). They never did possess genuine saving faith.

The principle is straightforward: A good tree will bear good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit. This is stated in one verse and repeated for emphasis in the next (vv. 17–18). It is simply impossible for this not to be true! It cannot not be true.

The application is similarly direct: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (v. 20). In context, “them” means false prophets, but it can also refer to self-professed followers of Christ, given the verses that follow (in tomorrow’s devotion). As mentioned yesterday, “fruit” means the results of a person’s words and actions. We should be careful, though, to see “fruit” as God does. Too often we see it in terms of our culture. For example, if a church is growing in numbers or resources, we assume this is godly success. But the Lord doesn’t evaluate in such ways. To Him, it’s all about faithfulness and obedience.

Go Deeper

What did Jesus mean when He said we will recognize false prophets by their fruit? What kind of fruit are you bearing?

Pray with Us

Remind us to look inward at our own hearts, Jesus. Are we walking in faithful obedience to You, and bearing the fruit this brings? Let it be so!

By their fruit you will recognize them.Matthew 7:20

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Read Matthew 7:15–16

Fans of the Peanuts comic strip know that Linus often talks about the Great Pumpkin around Halloween. He tries to convince others to sit with him in the pumpkin patch on Halloween night, waiting and hoping for the Great Pumpkin to appear. Some kids call him a “false prophet.” “No one in my class has ever seen a false prophet,” says Sally. “How about joining me for ‘Show and Tell’?”

There are two kinds of prophets implied in today’s reading: true and false. Followers of Christ are to watch out for and be on guard against false prophets (v. 15). The picture of a wolf in sheep’s clothing tells us that false prophets are deceptive and harmful. They might claim to be telling God’s truth but they’re lying. They’re “ferocious,” actively prowling to do damage. This word has also been translated “ravenous” or “vicious.”

We will recognize false prophets by their fruit, that is, the results of their words and actions (v. 16). After all, people do not pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles! But they might tickle our ears and fill us with false hopes: “They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD” (Jer. 23:16). All this suggests that false prophets won’t be difficult to recognize… if we’re careful and on our guard.

Watchfulness is an underrated virtue, but one that is often recommended by Jesus. He spoke of it in connection with His return (Matt. 24:42–43). The end times will be characterized by false prophets who might deceive even true followers of Christ (Matt. 24:24). In fact, “Many will follow [false prophets’] depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute” (2 Peter 2:1–3). But don’t worry—their doom is assured!

Go Deeper

Are there false prophets today? How would we recognize one? Are we bold enough to call them out in the name of Christ? Why or why not?

Pray with Us

Lord, we want to be on our guard against false prophets. As we are bombarded by messages, fill us with discernment to know Your truths. We are grateful that we can always trust You.

They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.Matthew 7:15

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Read Matthew 7:13–14

The narrow gate and the narrow way are vividly visualized in John Bunyan’s classic The Pilgrim’s Progress. The main character, Christian, meets others who climb over the fence instead of passing through the narrow gate, and some who choose an easier path. At times he’s tempted off the right path himself but nothing good ever happens in these cases. Christian learns his lesson, but other would-be pilgrims fail spectacularly.

The Sermon on the Mount some-what resembles wisdom literature, in that topics can change quickly. There’s not always a direct connection from one topic to the next. That’s the case throughout much of Matthew 7.

The idea of two spiritual paths is a common metaphor in Scripture, often seen, for example, in Psalms and Proverbs. The wrong path is wide and broad, which leads to destruction, that is, hell (v. 13). The right path is the small gate and narrow road. These lead to life, that is, heaven (v. 14). This is not the same as seeing the world in black-and-white. Wisdom, after all, is contextual. Rather, the metaphor of two paths contrasts two ways of life or two trajectories of choices over time. Most translations also contain the idea that the broad road is easy, and the narrow one is difficult. Our tendency is to choose the easier way, but God’s intention is in the other direction.

Jesus’ teaching is simple: Take one way and not the other. It will be simple to tell the difference. One will be easy and the other hard. One will be taken by many, the other by few. The New English Translation even makes verse 14 an exclamation: “How narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it!”

Go Deeper

How can we effectively and winsomely share the gospel with someone this week? And if you aren’t on the narrow path, we invite you to follow Jesus today! Go to moodybible.org/knowing-christ.

Pray with Us

Walking the narrow path on this earth is not always easy, God. Thank You for being with us as we seek to follow You. Give us the strength to choose the hard way.

Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.Matthew 7:14

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Read Matthew 7:9–12

As I was writing this devotional, my daughter celebrated a birthday. I selected the perfect gift and wrapped it—a rock from our backyard. No. Of course not. What kind of father would do that? Instead, I gave her something called a Squishmallow, a gift I knew she would love.

As Jesus pointed out, if human fathers know how to love their children, how much more does our heavenly Father love us! Our confidence to ask, seek, and knock (as we learned yesterday) is ultimately rooted in the goodness and love of our Father God (vv. 9–11). If our child asked us for bread, we would not give them a stone. Why not? Because we love them and want the best for them. Once again, Jesus was arguing from the smaller to the greater: If we, sinners though we are, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will God do the same! So why are we afraid to trust Him?

This is a humbling analogy for us. We know how to give good gifts to our children even though we’re evil (v. 11). Ouch. And that’s a best-case scenario. We all know that some parents do treat their children in truly evil ways. God never does so.

Jesus concluded: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (v. 12). This is sometimes called the Golden Rule. If applied, it would definitely slow down our tendency to judge (v. 1)! It’s not just an ethical idea that sounds fair. As we see here, in context, it’s based on the goodness of God: Since God does good things for us, we should do good things for others.

Go Deeper

Why does Jesus tell us that we can fully depend on God? In what ways can we better trust the Lord to be the good and loving Father He is?

Pray with Us

Righteous Father, we look to You in humble gratitude for all that You have given us. Lead us to love others as You love us.

Do to others what you would have them do to you.Matthew 7:12

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Read Matthew 7:7–8

In the sitcom The King of Queens, Carrie gets a raise at work after praying about it in church. She starts to pray regularly, asking God for all sorts of material things. This irritates her husband, Doug, who accuses her of using God as her personal genie. “You obviously have no idea what you’re doing,” Doug says.

So what did it mean when Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you” (v. 7)? Taken in context, Jesus is giving us a principle and a promise. The context is the kingdom of heaven. All our asking and receiving are done within and in obedience to God’s will. When we ask something of God there can be no hint of evil or selfishness. Within this context, the principle and the promise is that God answers our prayers. He wants us to come to Him and ask!

Jesus structured His teaching here as two beautiful sets of parallelisms. The first set is the imperative verbs “ask,” “seek,” and “knock,” followed by the matching positive results of “given,” “find,” and “opened” (v. 7). The second set gives the reasons (v. 8). The verbs used—“asks,” “seeks,” and “knocks”—are followed by the same matching positive results—“receives,” “finds,” and “opened.”

The verbs in verse 7 indicate repeated action, that is, persistence or perseverance in prayer, with an underlying faith in the Father’s wisdom and love. Repetition does not imply babbling (Matt. 6:7) but persistence. This is the way it works in God’s kingdom. We can pray for anything, resting trustfully in the fact that He knows what is best for us and will do what is best for us. The right attitude is always “Your will be done” (Matt. 6:10).

Go Deeper

What is on your prayer list right now? Do these items reflect the heart of God or merely a personal wish list? Are you asking according to God’s will?

Pray with Us

You are above all, Lord, and yet You hear us. Align our hearts with Your will, so our prayers are in obedience to You. We trust You to do what is best, even when we don’t understand.

Knock and the door will be opened to you.Matthew 7:7

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Read Matthew 7:1–6

One day, the religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus (John 8:1–11). They said, “In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” Jesus responded, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” The crowd dispersed as each person realized his own sinfulness. Only Jesus was worthy to cast the first stone, and He chose not to do so.

That same spirit is behind today’s teaching. “Do not judge” does not mean to “never judge,” as it’s often misinterpreted (vv. 1–2). After all, we’re instructed to judge or evaluate fellow believers when accountability is needed (1 Cor. 5:12). Instead, “do not judge” means that we should not judge self-righteously or hypocritically. We will be judged by the same standard we use on others.

Judgmental hypocrisy means, among other things, to criticize others when we are actually guilty of the same thing ourselves (vv. 3–5). Jesus uses a humorous but tragic image to drive His point home: It’s like a man with a wooden plank in his eye criticizing a man who has only a speck of sawdust in his. Having a judgmental spirit can warp our perspective! Notice that Jesus didn’t say to ignore the problem or to pretend everything’s okay. Rather, we should fix our own problem before we help someone else.

The next verse implies that we should pick the right time to do so (v. 6; Prov. 13:10). If we choose the wrong time, the person won’t listen. It will be like throwing pearls before swine. They’ll simply trample on our advice or reproof. Something valuable is bound to be wasted in this case, and the original speaker might even be harmed as well.

Go Deeper

Are you eager to judge others, or afraid to do so? How can we hold one another accountable in biblical ways that are discerning, loving, and humble?

Pray with Us

Holy Lord, forgive us for judging others self-righteously or hypocritically. Change our judgmental spirit into one of discernment and humility. Give us the grace and mercy that You model.

Do not throw your pearls to pigs.Matthew 7:6

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Read Matthew 6:33–34

“Christian contentment,” explained seventeenth-century Puritan preacher Jeremiah Burroughs, “is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.”

In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about our human tendency to worry. Rather than obsessing about our concerns, Christians are to submit to and delight in God’s wise and loving authority in all circumstances. After all, God already knows what we need. Since He cares for the created world, He will also care for us. With this in mind, we should “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (v. 33). Trusting the Lord doesn’t mean we are being lazy. Instead, we are putting our efforts into more meaningful priorities.

What should be our priority? First, we are to pursue God’s kingdom. We live for eternal purposes rather than joining the human rat race for more material goods, status, and power. Second, we obey God, which is the practical implication of seeking “his righteousness.” Then what? “All these things”—the things you need and that God knows you need—“will be given to you as well.” Worrying never works. Running after stuff also doesn’t work. Instead, we trust God to provide our needs. Jesus said that living this way yields treasure in heaven (v. 20). Frederick Bruner explains: “Disciples, too, are acquisitive, ‘seekers,’ on the hunt. But their quest is for realities more consequential than consumer goods.”

“Therefore,” Jesus summarized, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (v. 34). Jesus wasn’t being dismissive. He knew that working for basic necessities can provide challenges. He said, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” In short, living for eternity means being faithful to God day by day.

Go Deeper

How does living for eternal goals rather than for temporal purposes help alleviate worry? Why is worry ultimately fruitless?

Pray with Us

Jesus, please show us when we focus on our own temporary priorities over Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Help us be faithful to You.

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.Matthew 6:33

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Read Matthew 6:28–32

“Worry is a thief” wrote Phil Ryken in Kingdom, Come! “It steals our time. Our thoughts turn to our troubles, and then rather than praying about them or doing the things God is calling us to do, we waste time worrying about them. Worry steals our rest. We lie awake at night, anxious about tomorrow, and then we get up too tired to work hard, and this only adds to our anxiety…Worry shrivels the soul, robbing our joy.”

Jesus had a lot to say about worry. In Matthew 6:25–27, He stressed its uselessness. In verses 26 to 32, He turns our attention to God’s provision, giving two natural object lessons: God’s care for birds (v. 26) and for flowers (vv. 28–29). Wildflowers do not “labor or spin,” but their “clothes” are gorgeous. This amusing image makes a strong contrast with all the effort people make with clothing. Not even Solomon with all his riches could compare to wildflowers! Given his legendary wealth and power, he was probably the best-dressed person Jesus’ listeners could imagine.

The “grass of the field” is comparatively insignificant, here today and gone tomorrow (v. 30). As before, Jesus argued from the smaller to the greater: Since God takes care of wildflowers, He will also take care of people. To worry therefore exhibits “little faith.”

This is not meant as an insult but an exhortation to have faith (v. 31). Food and clothing are merely examples—we should be trusting the Lord in every area of life. He already knows what we need. The “pagans” or unbelievers “run after all these things,” but we should live differently (v. 32). Our consumer-crazed culture illustrates this too well. By living counterculturally we can have a bright witness as faith-filled followers of Christ.

Go Deeper

How do we “run after” material possessions (v. 32)? How does this comparison to the beauty found in nature challenge our consumer mentality?

Pray with Us

Father God, You will never abandon us. When we are afraid of being in want, please remind us of Your faithful provision. We fix our eyes on You, Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides.

So do not worry…your heavenly Father knows that you need them.Matthew 6:31–32

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Read Matthew 6:25–27

In his bestselling book The Anxious Generation, author Jonathan Haidt demonstrated that teenagers’ mental health began nosediving in the early 2010s. Screentime, smartphones, and social media led to significant increases in depression and anxiety. Virtual reality, now available around the clock to all ages, has injured a generation’s normal psychological development.

Worry and anxiety are a big deal! Today’s reading begins with the transition “Therefore,” meaning “given that earthly treasures hold no real value” and “given that money should not be your master” (v. 25). Since we now understand these truths, we are told, “do not worry about your life,” not even about basic needs such as food and clothing. Life is more than these.

“Look at the birds of the air,” Jesus continued (v. 26). God takes care of them, so He will take care of you as well. Jesus here argued from the smaller to the greater: Since a small thing is true, a greater thing can be counted on to be true as well. Since He takes care of birds, He will also take care of people, especially since we are of greater value. So why worry? To do so is a lack of faith, a failure to trust.

Worry is useless (v. 27). It accomplishes nothing. It cannot add an hour to our life or an inch to our height. Even setting aside God’s provision, worry is thus simply foolish. Worry didn’t enter our society with smartphones, of course. It’s been around a long time. If we’re tempted to worry instead of trusting the Lord, what can we do? “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6–7).

Go Deeper

Why did Jesus spend so much time on the sin of worry in the Sermon on the Mount? Do we underestimate it? How and why?

Pray with Us

Our eyes are fixed on You, Lord. When we are afraid, we put our trust in You. Remind us that we never need to worry, because You are always in control. Hallelujah!

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?Matthew 6:27

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Read Matthew 6:19–24

What do you do out of habit? Maybe you always start the day with a cup of coffee or get in a walk around the block after dinner. Many of our habits are based on what we think is important. Habits can take us in surprising directions, either toward God or toward rival gods, priorities, or values.

In Matthew 6, Jesus asks us what we treasure. In other words, what do we truly love? The answer is revealed by our everyday actions. That’s where our heart truly is, no matter what we say on Sundays (vv. 19–21). Earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable. By comparison, heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. Which of these would we prefer to be our “reward in full”? The second, of course.

In verses 22–23, there appears to be an abrupt change of topic. After discussing treasure, Jesus turns to a new topic: healthy versus unhealthy eyes. While at first it might seem unrelated, this metaphor is directly related to the treasure metaphor. To be “full of light” indicates that our knowledge and actions are righteous and thus please God. Eyes “full of darkness” indicate knowledge and actions that are sinful and thus dishonor the Lord. Healthy “eyes” discern and follow right teaching. They can see the foolishness of storing up earthly treasures. Unhealthy “eyes” are blind to these truths and thus pursue the wrong goals.

We must choose. Will we seek earthly treasures or heavenly treasures (v. 24)? We cannot serve both; we can have only one “master.” Earthly treasures are represented by money, given that wealth leads to the things that worldly people want most. But we can only love or be devoted to one thing. By definition or by comparison we will hate or despise the other thing. Which will it be? God or money? Heavenly treasures or earthly treasures?

Go Deeper

Psalm 1 also describes choosing between two spiritual paths. What do this psalm and today’s reading have in common?

Pray with Us

God, You are worth more than anything this world has to offer. When we become enticed by earthly riches, remind us that they do not last. Only You and Your words are eternal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Matthew 6:21

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Read Matthew 6:16–18

Have you ever fasted? Choosing to go without food is sometimes required for lab tests. Or we might skip a few meals to lose a few pounds. But fasting is a spiritual practice, abstaining from food, or other things, to spend concentrated time in worship and prayer.

In Matthew 6, Jesus’ comments were aimed at the Pharisees and religious leaders who were known to practice spiritual disciplines such as giving and fasting in flashy and pretentious ways. They wanted people to notice how devout they were, to be seen, admired, and praised. In contrast, others practiced such actions “in secret,” looking only for God’s approval.

When they were fasting, these hypocrites would look somber or gloomy (v. 16). In modern terms, “disfigure” means they would not wash their faces and perhaps go around rubbing their stomachs and groaning. They wanted everyone to know they were fasting and to be impressed by their “piety.” That, said Jesus, would be the only reward they would ever receive. Ironically, though they were going without food, their pride was being well-fed.

He taught His followers, on the other hand, that they should fast “in secret,” that is, so that others couldn’t tell (vv. 17–18). They should put oil—spiced or perfumed olive oil—on their heads, the equivalent of showering and putting on deodorant today. By caring for their bodies in a normal manner, no one would notice anything different. Only God would know, and He would reward them.

The Pharisees in Jesus’ day were fasting twice per week. But the Law required only one fast per year, on the Day of Atonement (though more were possible). Jesus assumed His disciples and the church would continue this spiritual practice, as He Himself had (Matt. 4:2; 9:15).

Go Deeper

Is fasting recommended as a spiritual discipline at your church? Have you ever fasted? What goals might you have in doing so?

Pray with Us

Jesus, we yearn for closeness with You. Please show us what parts of our own behavior and attitude are getting in the way of our relationship with You. We want to know You better.

Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.Matthew 6:18

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Read Matthew 6:14–15

I have been writing or editing for Today in the Word for more than 30 years, and God’s Word has transformed my life in countless ways through authoring these studies. For example, back in October 2002 I wrote a devotional about forgiveness. What I learned from that study knocked me for a loop. God’s love and grace were and are so much more than I ever realized!

At the close of His lesson on prayer, Jesus highlights forgiveness. He’d already mentioned it as part of the Lord’s Prayer (v. 12). In today’s verses, He explained more: If you forgive others, God will forgive you (v. 14). If you don’t, He won’t (v. 15). These are two sides of the same coin. This is not about salvation. It’s not saying God’s love is conditional. It’s about our responsibility to forgive as we have been forgiven (Matt. 5:7; Eph. 4:32).

Jesus also taught this principle in the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matt. 18:21–35). This was told to explain the idea of forgiving someone “seventy-seven times.” When the servant who had been forgiven a large debt refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him only a small amount, the master reconsidered his forgiveness and punished that servant. Jesus concluded: “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Forgiving others is a significant issue. We’ve all wronged God far worse than anyone has ever wronged us. Yet He has completely forgiven us! He has “removed our transgressions from us” as far as the east is from the west, that is, as far as is conceivably possible (Ps. 103:12). Similarly, He has hurled “all our iniquities into the depths of the sea” (Mic. 7:18–19).

Go Deeper

Are you holding any grudges against fellow believers? Have you said, “I’ll forgive but I won’t forget” about a situation? How might you put today’s devotion into practice?

Pray with Us

We praise You, Lord, for Your gift of forgiveness! Though we sin against You again and again, You forgive us completely when we repent. You are always good to us.

Your heavenly Father will also forgive you.Matthew 6:14

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Read Matthew 6:9–13

These days, whenever we want to learn how to do something, we look for a YouTube instructional video. How to jump a car battery? How to make a mushroom sauce from scratch? How to build your own computer? Easy-to-follow instructions are readily available for us to watch.

The most effective learning, though, usually happens in person, often over time through mentoring. That’s why Jesus chose a “class” of twelve “students” to follow Him for three years. Today we get a glimpse inside this personal classroom as Jesus taught His followers how to pray.

This model or template prayer, which can be prayed in less than a minute, begins with the relationship (v. 9). God is “Our Father in heaven.” This warm family metaphor is immediately followed by a reminder that His name is “hallowed” or sacred and should be revered and honored.

Next is a big-picture request for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven” (v. 10). Earth is a planet in rebellion against its Maker. This rebellion was always a failure, although from our perspective in time it’s still happening.

Then comes a petition for basic needs (v. 11). “Daily bread”—an allusion to the daily manna provided during the Exodus—represents our physical needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Why not ask for more? Because riches are the kind of temptation that make it difficult to pursue committed discipleship (Matt. 19:23–24).

This is followed by two petitions for spiritual needs (vv. 12–13). The first is for forgiveness (1 John 1:9). The petition is structured to remind us that we shouldn’t ask for what we’re not willing to give as well as that the debt we owe God is one we can never repay. The second request is to be protected against temptation and evil.

Go Deeper

Have you memorized the Lord’s Prayer? If not, give it a try today! What might be the benefits of doing so?

Pray with Us

Our Father in heaven, teach us to pray. When we talk to You, remind us of Your power and Your love. Guide us into a knowledge of You that will increase our desire to worship You.

This, then, is how you should pray.Matthew 6:9

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