The Life of Christ

There is a great emphasis in scripture about sowing and reaping (Lk. 6:38).

• However, our provision is not determined by our faithfulness alone.

• God also provides for us simply because He loves us — even more so than the birds.

Mt. 6:27 “And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’ s span? ”

There is debate on what it means to add a cubit unto our stature or life span.

• The questionable word is stature, which can be translated “size” or “life span.”

• Since it is impossible to add 18 inches to our life span, it must refer to our height.

• Zacchaeus, who had to climb the tree to see Jesus, would have appreciated another cubit, but it was never to be (Lk. 19:3).

• Jesus ’ point is we are to accept the things about our body that cannot be changed.

• God even goes so far as to take credit for creating major disabilities (Ex. 4:11):

So, the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD? (Ex. 4:11).

Mt. 6:31-33 “Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ 32 For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”

Throughout this chapter, the very essentials of life have each been addressed — food, clothing, shelter, along with the correct corresponding biblical attitude to attain these essentials.

• To seek first the kingdom and His righteousness is to do the things referred to in this chapter — prayer, giving alms, fasting.

• If we will seek to do these, then the essentials of life will be taken care of. To worry about these will becomes unnecessary!

Mt. 6:34 “Therefore, do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

We don’t have to worry about tomorrow if we will practice the principles of chapter 6 while it is still today.

• This great promise of not worrying comes as the result of properly praying, giving, and fasting.

• To worry about tomorrow drains the emotional energy that has been allotted for today.

Mt. 7:1-2 “Do not judge lest you be judged. 2 For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”

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