What Jesus Did! 'Ultimate Value' — Matthew 6:25-26

Monday, March 17, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "That [you cannot serve both God and money] is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?"
— Matthew 6:25-26 NLT

Key Thought

What does it take to make you content? What allows you to go to bed at night and not worry about tomorrow? Jesus does not want us overly concerned with things that are not of ultimate value to God. In fact, he wants us to know that we are of ultimate value to our Father, so we can trust him for the basics and shouldn't be overly troubled with the basic needs of lives. While this doesn't mean we're to be irresponsible or freeloaders, it does mean that we should develop our sense of values so that the focus of our lives is not on material needs. As God has declared us of ultimate value by sending his Son to redeem us, we commit to pursue what is of ultimate value - the Father and his Kingdom. When we do that, the necessities will fall into place. Want proof? Look at the birds which regularly receive God's care and we're worth a whole lot more to him than they are!

Today's Prayer

Father, you have poured your blessings into my life so richly. Forgive me when I worry about things that are not important, especially the material things that distract me. I do believe you will provide all I need as I seek your will, your face, and your Kingdom. In the name of the King of kings, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Take No Thought?
Article by Tom Norvell
So what are we supposed to think about if not this? Tom Norvell uses Matthew 6:25 and several translations (NIV, Message, and KJV translations) to help drive home Jesus' point and that many of us who look good on the outside are filled with worry on the inside, worry Jesus wants to take off our shoulders.
Matthew 6:25
Devo: Today's Verse
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food,..."
Matthew 6:25
Devo: Today's Verse
"[Jesus taught his disciples, saying:] "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear......"
Matthew 6:25
Devo: Today's Verse
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food,..."
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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 6:25-26 NLT — "That [you cannot serve both God and money] is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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