Matthew 6:33 F.O.G Commentary
Visual Media Suggestion
- Infographic Idea: A visual aid showing a prioritization pyramid with “God’s Kingdom” and “His righteousness” at the top and earthly needs (food, clothing, shelter) below. This would visually represent the hierarchy of seeking God first above all else, with arrows showing how everything else is “added” when the top priority is in place.
- Are you a talented designer or illustrator? Submit your ideas for the above to the F.O.G project here.
Verse Text
“But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (WEB)
Immediate Context
Matthew 6:33 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about the priorities of a follower of God. In the preceding verses, Jesus addresses the anxiety and worries about daily needs like food, drink, and clothing. He contrasts the way pagans pursue these needs with how His followers should live. Instead of worrying, Jesus commands them to “seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness,” promising that when they do, God will provide for their needs. This verse encapsulates the central teaching of trusting in God’s provision while prioritizing His Kingdom.
Key Insights
- “Seek first God’s Kingdom”: The Greek word for “seek” (zēteite) implies a continuous, active effort to pursue or strive after something. Seeking God’s Kingdom means prioritizing God’s rule, reign, and purposes above all else in life.
- “His righteousness”: Righteousness (dikaiosynē) here refers to living according to God’s standards, values, and will. It involves seeking to align one’s life with God’s ways.
- “All these things will be given to you as well”: “All these things” refers to the necessities of life mentioned earlier in the chapter (Matthew 6:25-32). Jesus assures that God, as a loving Father, will provide these needs for those who put His Kingdom first.
Biblical Themes
- Trust in Divine Provision: Encourages believers to trust in God’s provision rather than be anxious about material needs.
- Kingdom Priority: Emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God’s Kingdom and His righteousness over worldly concerns.
- Faith and Obedience: Living in faith involves actively seeking God’s will and aligning our lives with His purposes, trusting that He will meet our needs.
Cross References
- Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Reinforces the idea that God provides for the needs of those who trust in Him.
- Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself also in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” This verse speaks to the blessings that come when we prioritize our relationship with God.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Similar to Matthew 6:33, it emphasizes putting trust in God first for direction and provision.
Reflection Question
How are you actively seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness in your daily life? What steps can you take to prioritize God’s will over your own concerns and anxieties?
Did You Know?
- The word “first” (Greek: prōton) in “seek first” is emphatic, meaning that seeking God’s Kingdom is not just a priority but the priority that orders all others.
- The phrase “God’s Kingdom” appears over 80 times in the New Testament, mainly in the Gospels, reflecting its central theme in Jesus’ teachings about God’s reign and rule in the hearts and lives of His followers.
- In ancient Jewish culture, seeking righteousness was often associated with living a life that conformed to the Law of Moses, but Jesus redefines righteousness in the context of His Kingdom as embodying God’s character and will.
