Competitive services. After discoursing of our treasure ( Matthew 6:19-21 ), and of the motive that should influence conduct ( Matthew 6:22 , Matthew 6:23 ), our Lord here indicates two competitive services, viz. the service of God and the service of mammon. We have submitted to our acceptance— I. THE SERVICE OF GOD . 1 . This implies trust in him. 2 . It implies love to God. 3 . It implies imitation of God. II. THE SERVICE OF MAMMON . 1 . ... read more
Therefore ( διὰ τοῦτο ). Because of this fact last mentioned, the impossibility of dividing your service. Cease to be anxious about things of this life, for anxiety about these is a mark of your attempting this impossibility. I say unto you . Though the absence of the personal pronoun (unlike Matthew 5:22 , etc.) shows that he is not here contrasting himself with them or with others, yet he still emphasizes his authority. Take no thought ; Revised Version, be not anxious ( μὴ... read more
The proper limits of human anxiety. The evil dealt with in this passage is "undue secular anxiety." "Think of the uncertainty of almost everything we have—life, health, friendship, domestic relationships and affections, riches, commerce. Life has many sad surprises and disappointments. Our own day is full of care." Where is abundant cause for anxiety. But Christ reminds us of a truth which should put our earthly care into strict limitations. We have a Father who is actually and effectively... read more
Christ's remedy for anxiety. Having touched upon the active ministry of life, our Lord at once proceeds to treat its besetting trouble with an amplitude of illustration which shows how important he considered it to be. I. THE NATURE OF THE EVIL . We are misled by the word "thought," which has dropped one of its old meanings since the Authorized Version of the New Testament was issued. Christ is not depreciating an intellectual exercise, much less is he encouraging improvidence.... read more
These verses, with the exception of the last, which should perhaps hardly be included, are very similar to the parallel passage, Luke 12:22-32 . It seems probable that in the differences Luke preserves the more original form . What their original position was is another question. Their immediate sequence in Luke to the parable of the rich fool is no doubt perfectly natural, and is accepted by most commentators as original; but the connexion with the context here is so close that,... read more
The condemnation of the toil of the world. These ten verses form one section and cover one subject. Its connection with that of the foregoing verse is pronounced. "Therefore," because of this, " I say unto you." We are not in any doubt as to it, and the fact guides us to the understanding of the principle that forms the basis of the section. Notice here four ways in which this section may be exhibited. I. THE CONDESCENSION — AN UNDIVIDED SERVICE IS CLAIMED ; BUT IT ... read more
Lessons of the fields. God has so constituted the natural world that it furnishes apt similes to illustrate spiritual things. I. THE FIELDS TEACH US TO BLESS GOD . 1 . They serve admirable material uses. 2 . They soothe and delight the sense. 3 . They serve high moral purposes. II. THE FIELDS TEACH US TO TRUST PROVIDENCE . 1 . As they illustrate our dependence. 2 . As they illustrate God ' s thoughtful care. III. THE ... read more
Parallel passage: Luke 12:24 . The less general term, "ravens", and the change of construction apparent in "which have no store-chamber nor barn," point to St. Luke having preserved the more original form of the saying. So also does the presence in Matthew of the Matthean phrase "heavenly." On the other hand, Matthew's "consider" (verse 28, vide next note) is perhaps more original. Behold ( ἐμβλέψατε ). Look on, use your natural eyes. In verse 28 "consider" ( καταμάθετε ), learn... read more
The God of the fowls and the flowers. The point which seems to be prominently suggested here is this: Fowls and flowers represent the creatures and the adornments of the Father's house. Disciples represent the children of the Father's house. It is fair and forcible argument; it comes close home to us, by its appeal to our common everyday observations and experiences, that if the Father cares, in a very marked way, for the creatures and the adornments (show a mother's daily care to feed her... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 6:24
Singleness of service. To the most suggestive instruction and warning respecting singleness of eye follows now the subject, an evident sequel, of singleness of devotion. The most perfect perception and intelligence are certainly no guarantee of devotion of service, loyal and unswerving; but if there be the ready mind and honest disposition to this, then the sight, clear and quick, and perception unerring, will be most tributary to that service. The vainest waste of effort, the most prodigal... read more