Introduction
In Matthew 6, Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the teachings on righteousness. He addresses key aspects of spiritual life—giving, prayer, and fasting—highlighting the importance of sincerity and seeking God’s approval rather than that of others. These teachings challenge us to examine our motives and align our spiritual practices with the heart of God.
Jesus begins by teaching about giving to the needy. “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1). The emphasis here is on the intent behind our giving. Jesus warns against giving for the sake of public recognition, as this type of giving seeks human praise rather than God’s approval. True generosity comes from a heart that desires to honor God and help others without expecting anything in return.
Similarly, Jesus teaches about prayer. He warns against praying for show, saying, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others” (Matthew 6:5). Instead, Jesus instructs us to pray in private, emphasizing a personal relationship with God. He also provides the Lord’s Prayer as a model for how we should approach God—with reverence, humility, and trust. The Lord’s Prayer is a powerful reminder of God’s provision, forgiveness, and guidance.
Jesus also addresses fasting in Matthew 6. “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting” (Matthew 6:16). Like giving and prayer, fasting is meant to be a private act of devotion to God. It is an opportunity to draw closer to Him, not a means of gaining admiration from others. Jesus’ teachings on fasting remind us that our spiritual practices should be motivated by a desire to grow in our relationship with God, not by a desire for public approval.
Storing Treasures in Heaven
Another important aspect of teachings on righteousness is Jesus’ instruction on storing treasures in heaven. He says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). Jesus challenges us to consider where we place our value—are we focused on accumulating wealth and possessions, or are we investing in things of eternal significance?
Jesus’ call to store treasures in heaven is a reminder that the things of this world are temporary. Material wealth can be lost or destroyed, but the treasures we store in heaven—acts of love, kindness, and faithfulness—are eternal. By focusing on heavenly treasures, we align our hearts with God’s kingdom and prioritize what truly matters.
The Eye as the Lamp of the Body
In Matthew 6, Jesus also uses the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness” (Matthew 6:22-23). The “eye” represents our focus and perspective. If our focus is on God and His righteousness, our lives will be filled with light. However, if our focus is on worldly desires and selfish ambitions, our lives will be filled with darkness.
This teaching challenges us to examine what we are focusing on. Are we seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness, or are we distracted by the pursuit of wealth, status, and comfort? Jesus’ words remind us that our focus determines the direction of our lives. When we fix our eyes on God, we experience His light and guidance in every aspect of our lives.
Trusting God for Our Needs
Another key aspect of teachings on righteousness is Jesus’ call to trust God for our needs. He says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear” (Matthew 6:25). Jesus encourages us to trust in God’s provision, reminding us that God cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, and He will surely care for us.
Worry is often a result of misplaced trust. When we rely on our own abilities or material resources, we become anxious about the future. Jesus invites us to shift our trust from ourselves to God, who knows our needs and is faithful to provide. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). By prioritizing God’s kingdom, we can live with confidence, knowing that He will take care of our needs.
Conclusion
The teachings on righteousness provide a powerful reminder of the importance of sincerity, trust, and a God-centered focus in our spiritual lives. Jesus calls us to examine our motives in giving, prayer, and fasting, ensuring that our actions are directed toward God rather than seeking human approval. He challenges us to store treasures in heaven, maintain a healthy focus, and trust God for our needs.
As we reflect on Matthew 6, may we be inspired to live lives of true righteousness—lives that honor God, serve others, and seek His kingdom above all else. Let us embrace the teachings of Jesus, allowing them to transform our hearts and guide us in our daily walk with Him.
