Commentary on Matthew 6:8

Verse: "Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him."

Introduction

Matthew 6:8 is situated within the broader context of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus instructs His followers on the nature of authentic piety and the correct approach to prayer. This verse serves as a critical teaching point that emphasizes the contrast between genuine faith and the empty rituals often seen in religious practice.

Exegesis and Analysis

This verse can be dissected into three main components reflecting the nature of God and the believer's proper response:

• Divine Knowledge: "for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of."
• Divine Relationship: "your Father."
• Human Response: "Be not ye therefore like unto them."

Divine Knowledge

Matthew Henry emphasizes the all-knowing nature of God, stating that God possesses an intimate awareness of His creation and their needs long before they voice them. This preemptive knowledge illustrates God's providential care, encapsulating the essence of a loving father who is attentive to His children.

Insights from Albert Barnes

Barnes notes that this knowledge dispels the anxiety associated with prayer. The assurance that God is aware of our needs reduces the emphasis on the act of asking, highlighting that prayer is more about cultivating a relationship with God rather than a mere transactional petition. This informs believers that prayer is not merely about seeking to inform God but rather about aligning with His will and acknowledging His provision.

Divine Relationship

The phrase "your Father" is significant; Adam Clarke remarks on the relational aspect of God presented in this verse. Jesus invites His followers to recognize their intimate relationship with God, contrasting it with the distant and legalistic approach often adopted by religious leaders of the time.

Significance of Sonship

This designation as "Father" indicates a relationship based on affection and care, fundamentally shaping how believers approach God in prayer. Clarke argues that this term encourages believers not to cower before God out of fear but to approach with confidence and assurance, recognizing their identity in Him.

Human Response

The admonition "Be not ye therefore like unto them" calls for a departure from the hypocrisy and vain repetitions of the Gentiles. Henry highlights the futility of trying to manipulate God's will through eloquence or excessive words; the effectiveness of prayer lies not in its length or in elaborate expressions, but in faith and sincerity.

Contrast with Pagan Practices

Barnes points out that during Jesus' time, many pagans engaged in prayers characterized by empty phrases, seeking to gain attention or favor through sheer volume or verbosity. Jesus firmly teaches that God requires simplicity and sincerity in prayer over theatricality.

Practical Application

For pastors and theologians, this verse serves as a foundational reminder of the importance of approaching God authentically. It prompts reflection on how prayer is conducted in their communities and their personal lives. They are encouraged to foster an atmosphere where believers can confidently express their needs without fear of judgement or dismissal.

Encouragement for Believers

For students and laypersons, this verse reassures them of God's attentiveness to their needs. It encourages a profound understanding that prayer is conversing with a loving Father who desires intimacy rather than surface-level exchanges.

Call to Examine Practices

Congregations are challenged to examine their own prayer practices—are they mere rituals or genuine communications with God? This verse invites Christians to re-evaluate how they engage with prayer, ensuring it reflects the relational aspect emphasized by Jesus.

Conclusion

In summary, Matthew 6:8 encompasses key insights about the character of God as a loving Father and redefines prayer as a relational dialogue. As believers are called to avoid the pitfalls of empty religious practices, they are encouraged to foster a meaningful connection with God based on trust and understanding. This verse remains a powerful reminder of God's desire for genuine communication and authentic relationship with His children.