Read: Matthew 6:25-34
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (v. 33 NIV)
As a seminary professor, I often get unsolicited questions from people I don’t know. One of those came a few years ago from a local pastor: “Craig, do you think any true Christians have ever starved to death?” “Tragically, yes,” I replied, “no doubt hundreds of thousands or more.” He wrote back, “So how do you explain Matthew 6:33?” It’s an important question.
This verse is one of several in Scripture along these lines. The passage suggests that if we put God’s priorities first, then we will always have at least enough food, drink, and clothing to survive. “These things” refers back to the provisions itemized in verses 31-32. This kind of interpretation can never be disproved, because if someone starves, we could just claim they weren’t putting God first. If you’ve studied history, though, or even just talked with people who believe in Jesus living in the poorest parts of the world today, you know that can’t be the answer.
The key lies in the plural pronouns. As my Southern friends would say, “but y’all seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given to y’all as well.” Jesus is speaking first to his disciples in community. As they follow God’s principles of justice, they must ensure that they take care of the neediest believers in their midst. When every church in the world does that, Jesus’s words will be vindicated.
As you pray, ask God to help you care for a needy believer near you.
Craig L. Blomberg is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He has written or edited more than 30 books, including a recently revised and expanded commentary on Matthew. He teaches regularly in churches, including his home church of Centennial Covenant in Littleton, CO. He and his wife Fran have two daughters and three grandchildren.
