Matthew 6 starts with teaching about giving to the needy which Jesus says should be without exhibitionism. “Don’t announce your giving with trumpets!” Let God know and nobody else. Then Jesus teaches on prayer with his famous ‘Lord’s Prayer’. Jesus condemns ‘show off’ prayers and teaches that prayer should honour God’s name… pray for God’s kingdom and will… ask for daily bread… seek forgiveness whilst forgiving others… ask for deliverance from temptation and evil. Then Jesus says that fasting ought to be discreet “so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting”. Then Jesus teaches that “you cannot serve both God and money… don’t store up treasures on earth but rather do it in heaven”. Finally in this chapter the Lord tells his disciples not to worry about food, clothing and the days ahead, because the birds and flowers do fine without worrying. “Seek yea first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you”.
