Ep. 224. Matthew 6 | Sermon on the Mount Part 4

EPISODE 224

SERMON ON THE MOUNT PART 4: MATTHEW 6:19-34

You will immediately notice that many of the verses in our additional reading today are from Matthew 5. Obviously, you know by now how I feel about context and the importance of it. That being said, it is unlikely we will understand what is being said in Chapter Six if we are not holding in mind what happened in Chapter 5. I do not expect someone new to studying the Scripture to be able to keep all the Old Testament texts in mind while reading the New Testament. (I don't know a single person who knows the Bible that well.) However, it is incumbent on us as readers to try to understand the sections of Scripture immediately preceding and following the text we are reading. I'll put it this way: if we have an "understanding" of a verse in isolation, that is, without considering the context in which it is buried, then it is likely we don't understand that verse at all.

The conversation in verses 19-24 about treasures on earth versus those in heaven flows directly out of the selfish intent of the Pharisees in their "good works." Keep in mind that Jesus is talking to a group primarily made up of Jews, people with an understanding of the Law, and people who are likely picking up on all the Old Testament references Jesus is alluding to.

Of course, we know and recognize that God knows our needs before they come to pass and that he is capable of meeting them.

ADDITIONAL READING: Matthew 5:19-20; Matthew 5:13-14; Deuteronomy 5:8; Matthew 5:48; Matthew 5:6; Matthew 5:20; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9