Introduction
Matthew 6:33 from the Amplified Bible (AMP) calls believers to prioritize God’s kingdom above all else, promising that everything we need will be provided as a result. This scripture, spoken by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, offers assurance and guidance for a life centered on faith. The call to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” is both an invitation and a challenge, asking believers to trust that God will meet their needs when they align their lives with His will. For today’s believers, this message provides clarity and comfort, reaffirming that God’s provision encompasses every area of life when we put Him first.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Matthew 6:33 (AMP): “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”
The Context of Matthew 6:33
In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses the daily worries and concerns of human life, especially the need for food, clothing, and other essentials. Jesus knew that these concerns often dominate people’s minds, leading them to anxiety and fear about their future. He encourages His followers not to be consumed by these anxieties, urging them to trust in their Heavenly Father’s care and provision. Jesus contrasts the fleeting nature of earthly treasures with the eternal value of spiritual pursuits. By directing attention toward the kingdom of God, He teaches that a life focused on heavenly priorities not only fulfills spiritual needs but also brings assurance that God will take care of earthly needs as well. When I was a child, I used to hear older people say, “you be about God’s business and He’ll be about yours!”
Through this context, Matthew 6:33 becomes a powerful reminder for believers to refocus their lives around what truly matters: God’s kingdom and His righteousness. When they make God their primary pursuit, they can rest assured that their Father in heaven will lovingly meet their other needs.
Relevance to Today's Believers
Matthew 6:33 addresses the very human tendency to worry about basic needs and material possessions. Jesus’ words direct believers away from worry, encouraging them to make God’s kingdom their main pursuit. The “these things” mentioned in this scripture refer to life’s necessities, including food, water, clothing, and shelter—all of which Jesus mentioned earlier in Matthew 6. By saying “also,” Jesus implies that these needs will naturally follow when we prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness. It is a call to shift focus from material concerns to spiritual alignment, trusting that God knows and will meet our every need.
In a world consumed with achieving security and comfort, this scripture reassures believers that God is the ultimate provider. He is fully aware of what His children need and is more than willing and able to supply those needs when we commit to His purpose. For the modern believer, this scripture stands as a reminder to resist the pressure of accumulating wealth or status at the expense of spiritual growth. It highlights a divine order: when God’s kingdom is our first pursuit, everything else falls into place, including the accumulation of wealth and stature
What Are “These Things” and the Meaning of “Also”
In the context of Matthew 6, “these things” refer specifically to the basic necessities of life—food, water, shelter, and clothing. These items represent the essentials that often occupy human thought and concern. By promising that “all these things” will be given, Jesus assures His followers that God is mindful of our physical needs. The term “also” is significant, as it signals that beyond spiritual growth, God will provide material necessities. When Jesus says that these things will be given “also,” He implies that the pursuit of God’s kingdom brings both spiritual fulfillment and practical provision. According to Deuteronomy 25:4 God wants not one of His children poor; “However, there will be no poor among you, since the Lord will most certainly bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess,” Rest assured that God wants to and will bless us accordingly.
The implication is that by seeking God’s ways, we receive more than just an eternal reward; we also gain the peace of knowing our present needs are in His hands. God’s provision is holistic, encompassing both spiritual and material well-being. This challenges believers to trust fully in God’s care rather than striving anxiously for personal security. It’s a call to faith, an invitation to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary, with a guarantee that God will not overlook their practical needs.
Applications for Modern Faith
Shifting Priorities: In a culture that often idolizes success and wealth, Matthew 6:33 redirects believers to focus on God’s kingdom. The scripture encourages us to prioritize spiritual growth and a life aligned with God’s values over the pursuit of material gains.
Trusting God for Provision: This scripture reminds believers that God knows our needs. Instead of being consumed by anxiety over necessities, we are called to trust that God, in His faithfulness, will provide everything we require to live well.
Living with Contentment: In a world driven by the pursuit of more, this scripture brings a refreshing call to contentment. By focusing on God’s kingdom, believers find that the need for excess fades, replaced by a deep-seated peace and assurance of God’s provision.
Encouragement for Daily Life: When life brings uncertainties, Matthew 6:33 serves as a grounding truth. Believers can draw strength from this promise, approaching each day with confidence that our needs will be met as we pursue God’s ways.
Summary
Matthew 6:33 calls believers to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness as their foremost aim, with the assurance that everything they need will follow. Jesus’ message is clear: instead of fixating on life’s material demands, believers are to focus on aligning themselves with God’s principles, trusting that He will meet their needs. This promise addresses the basic human desire for security, redirecting it toward a faith that trusts in God’s perfect provision.
In today’s society, where achievement and accumulation are often seen as measures of success, this scripture reminds believers of a higher eternal standard. It shifts the focus from self-reliance to divine dependence, freeing believers from the relentless pursuit of material gain. By prioritizing God’s kingdom, they find fulfillment beyond material wealth, discovering that the life God provides is rich in peace, purpose, and joy. The phrase “and all these things will be given to you also” assures believers that they need not worry about life’s essentials. As they seek God’s will, these necessities will follow, allowing them to live with confidence and contentment.
Ultimately, Matthew 6:33 calls believers to make God the center of their lives, trusting that His provision is both generous and complete. It invites them to live with a kingdom-focused mindset, where the pursuit of God’s righteousness shapes every decision and action. This scripture is a reminder that faith in God’s provision is both liberating and empowering. By choosing to seek first the kingdom, believers find themselves fully equipped and deeply assured, knowing that God’s care extends to every corner of their lives.
Matthew 6:33 urges believers to anchor their lives in the pursuit of God’s kingdom, confident that all necessary things will follow. This powerful assurance speaks to every believer, inviting them to live with purpose, faith, and peace in God’s unfailing provision.
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