Holy Bible Online 
"Seek first the Kingdom of God" is one of the most well-known and impactful phrases ever spoken by Jesus Christ. Found in Matthew 6:33, it means that above all things and life's concerns, a Christian must seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This must be sought before wealth, pleasures, dreams, or goals because the Kingdom of God is more important and superior.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
- Matthew 6:33
Treasures in Heaven
This phrase is found in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, the most well-known discourse of Christ. This sermon serves as a code of conduct for the subjects of the Kingdom he was announcing.
The block preceding this one is referred to by the NIV as "Treasures in Heaven." It is very important and complementary to the section we are studying. In it, Jesus teaches that:
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
- Matthew 6:19-20
This text is very important for understanding Jesus' final thoughts, as it demonstrates that his emphasis is on eternal things, not on earthly things. In both this verse (20) and verse 33, Jesus compares present reality with future reality, showing the superiority of the latter.
Observe the Birds - God's Goodness
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
- Matthew 6:25-26
Jesus begins his teaching with something very important: God is good and sovereign. Just as animals do not need to worry about farming, we, made in His image and likeness, can rely on His providence.
Jesus is not saying that people should not plan or prepare for the uncertainties of the future, but rather that their greatest concerns should not be about things beyond their control.
The main focus of Jesus is on the hearts of the people, not on their possessions. What he is suggesting is that people should not be anxious or overly concerned about things they cannot control.
The Kingdom of Heaven
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
- Matthew 6:33-34
Instead of spending our worries and desires on earthly things, Jesus' command is very clear: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."
Naturally, the question would arise: "Where is the Kingdom of God and His righteousness?" The answer to this question lies in Jesus. His entire ministry revolved around this issue, which is why he preached and taught countless times about the Kingdom of God.
Most of the parables He spoke taught about the Kingdom of Heaven in some way, and His righteousness was fulfilled in the sacrifice on the Cross.
To reach this Kingdom and its righteousness, one must go through the new birth, a sincere conversion to faith in Christ Jesus. Only in this way is it possible to enter this Kingdom and practice the ordinances due to the subjects of Christ.
If you want to know more about the Kingdom of Heaven, you should dedicate yourself to the Scriptures and seek to understand, through them, this new reality. The last words of Jesus in this sermon conclude very well what should be done with this understanding:
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
- Matthew 7:24-25
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