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When Jordan was six months old, his father, Charles Monroe King—a decorated soldier—was killed in combat in Iraq. Anticipating the danger he was facing, Charles had written a 200-page journal that he left behind for his son. Written while serving in that “hot terrifying place,” the father’s words were left as a legacy and reminder of his abiding love. Charles wrote on many topics including faith, love, duty, honor, and practical things like safe places to keep money on a trip. Still a child, Jordan doesn’t fully comprehend the tragedy he has suffered. But the words of his dad will certainly be a treasure to him in the future and help to him in times of need.
In today’s verse, Jesus says, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” This text is part of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 through 7, delivered when Jesus had gone up a mountainside to teach (5:1). The sermon focuses on the way that inhabitants of the kingdom of God should live.
Today’s passage speaks about charity and prayer. The first section stresses that “acts of righteousness” should not be performed before others, but rather done in private. This way, says Jesus, “your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (v. 4). Prayer is viewed in a similar manner, not as a showy, demonstrative act, but as a private way of communing with our heavenly Father.
Jesus says, “Do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues” (v. 5). Prayer is not an opportunity to demonstrate how holy we are, or try to impress others with our flowery verbiage, or to seem super pious as if we are better than someone else. Indeed, we should pray for an audience of one: our Father (v. 6).
In one of the most famous passages of Scripture, Jesus says a prayer to His Father and ours. The Lord’s Prayer demonstrates the communion between our Father and His children.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, pray the Lord’s Prayer, alone or with your family. As you repeat these famous words of adoration, confession, and supplication, concentrate on your heavenly Father. Consider that these words of advice and instruction, found in the Gospel of Matthew, are a journal of sorts left for you. Like Jordan, we cannot see our father. Yet, we have been given a book with His words, meant to guide us through our lives. What a treasure we have in God’s Word to us!
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