What does Matthew 6:28 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 6:28 comes from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus addresses his followers, teaching them about the kingdom of heaven and how to live a righteous life.

This particular verse discusses the issue of worry, specifically about material needs like clothing.

The lilies of the field, which grow in abundance and are beautifully adorned naturally, do not work or make their clothes, yet they are magnificent.

Jesus uses this analogy to underscore the point that worrying about material possessions is unnecessary for believers, as God, who provides for these flowers, will surely provide for his faithful much more.

The deeper meaning suggests a life oriented toward spiritual pursuits rather than material accumulation.

It is a call toward faith and trust in divine providence and the prioritization of spiritual over material wellbeing. The message is about reliance on God's care and the foolishness of excessive worry about worldly matters.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written in a Jewish context around the 1st century when most daily life revolved around manual labor and assuring basic necessities like food and clothing.

The audience, comprised mainly of Jewish Christians, lived in a time of uncertainty and often faced persecution and hardships.

Therefore, the message served as a comfort and a reassurance of God's care and provision. During this period, the illustration of lilies in the field would have been a relatable and vivid image for the agrarian society.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse presents several insights:

1. Divine Providence: The verse emphasizes God's provision for all creation, suggesting that if God takes care to provide for the lilies, he will surely provide for human beings, who are made in His image and are considered the pinnacle of His creation.

2. Worth of Human Beings: Implicit in the text is the concept that human life is of great value to God, more so than other parts of creation. This raises theological discussions about the inherent worth of humans from a Christian perspective.

3. Anxiety and Faith: The verse suggests a contrast between anxiety and faith, urging believers to cultivate a deep trust in God and an attitude of serene reliance on His will and provision.

4. Stewardship: Implicit in the verse is the call towards responsible stewardship rather than hoarding, suggesting a life of simplicity and contentment.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse invites individuals to:

1. Reduce Anxiety: Cultivate trust in God's provision, reducing anxiety over material concerns.

2. Simplicity: Embrace simplicity and contentment by not overly fixating on accumulating material belongings.

3. Prioritize Faith: Focus on spiritual growth and trust in God, placing less emphasis on worldly success and consumerism.

4. Appreciation for Creation: Take time to appreciate the natural world and find peace and faith through the beauty and simplicity observed in nature.

Cross-References

• Matthew 6:25-27: "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on..."
• Luke 12:27: "Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
• 1 Peter 5:7: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word used for 'lilies' (κρίνα - krina) likely refers to wildflowers in a general sense.

The verbs 'toil' (κοπιάω - kopiaō) and 'spin' (νήθω - nēthō) reflect manual labor and textile work, emphasizing that these flowers do none of these activities, yet God provides for them.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, flowers and nature have often been used as symbols of divine care and the ephemeral nature of life.

For example, in ancient Greek mythology, the goddess Hera is said to have created the Milky Way from lilies.

In Hinduism, the lotus is significant as a symbol of purity and enlightenment, growing beautiful from murky waters, often associated with the gods.

Such comparisons reveal a universal human tendency to draw spiritual lessons from the natural world.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern ecology aligns well with this verse's implications about the natural world's provision and abundance. Ecosystem studies show that the natural world has intrinsic systems that allow for growth and development without human intervention.

The verse does not contradict scientific understandings but rather invites a reflection on the complex systems that sustain life effortlessly on our planet.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians highlight the essence of this verse in the context of Christian teachings:

1. John Calvin: Suggests that the verse demonstrates God's fatherly care in providing for our needs and that our worries indicate a lack of faith in His promise.

2. William Barclay: Emphasizes the beauty in simplicity that the lilies represent and encourages believers to focus on the really important things in life, which are not material possessions.

3. R.T. France: Points to the illustrative technique used by Jesus to teach profound theological truths in a way that connects with everyday observations and experiences.