NOTES for Mat 6:22-33

At times the uncompromising demands of the Gospel are simply astonishing. How can one not be concerned about what to drink, what to eat, or what to wear? Is anyone capable of this? Does it have anything at all to do with reality? Is a God who asks such things of people a loving God? As we know, the Lord does not give trials beyond our strength (see 1 Cor 10:13). And if He tells us to seek His Kingdom first, without occupying ourselves with the search for everything else, and promises to “add” everything we shall need, then that is precisely what He means.

After that, much depends on us: are we truly seeking God and His righteousness? Are we really prepared to put Him first “honestly,” without looking around? Otherwise it will turn out as it did with Peter (Matt 14:25-32): we shall neither look at God nor manage to look properly to the side, because we shall begin to sink (there is always plenty of water around us—that is, plenty to worry about and be afraid of)...

Of course, God does not want to leave us entirely without the satisfaction of our basic needs. He is simply “hurt” when they begin to obscure Him. And that happens very quickly. That is why He emphasizes that we must be ready to remain with nothing at all and entrust ourselves to Him and to His care for us. He will see what is best for us, what we “need,” and what will truly lead us to salvation and happiness.