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Jesus Teaches: Do Not Worry About Tomorrow
(Matthew 6:25-34)

One day, Jesus sat on a hillside with a large crowd gathered around him. He looked at the people and saw something in their hearts: worry. Many of them were worried about having enough food to eat. They worried about having clothes to wear. Some worried about whether God would take care of them tomorrow or the next day. Jesus knew their worries were heavy, so he decided to teach them a better way.

Jesus said, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes." Then he pointed up to the sky. "Look at the birds," he told them. "They don't plant seeds or harvest crops. They don't store food in barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them every single day. Aren't you much more valuable than they are?" The people looked at the sparrows and doves flying overhead. If God feeds those little birds, surely he would feed them too.

Then Jesus pointed to the wildflowers growing in the green fields. "Consider the lilies," he said. "See how they grow. They don't work or spin thread to make beautiful clothes. But I tell you, even King Solomon, the richest and most powerful king in all of Israel's history, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers." The people looked at the bright petals swaying in the breeze. God had painted each one with care.

Jesus asked a simple question: "Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Of course not. Worrying changes nothing except making you feel tired and scared. Then Jesus explained something important. People who don't know God spend all their time chasing after food and drinks and clothes. But your heavenly Father already knows everything you need. That's why Jesus gave the most important instruction of all: "Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Finally, Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." He wanted the people to trust God one day at a time, just like the birds trust God for their next meal. When you feel worried about food, clothes, or anything else, remember the birds and the lilies. God takes care of them, and he loves you even more. Trust him, and seek his kingdom first.

A Curious Question

Why does Jesus tell us not to worry about tomorrow, even when we feel scared about what might happen next week or next month?

Old Testament Connection

Jesus' teaching about trusting God for daily needs is rooted deep in the Old Testament. When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, he provided manna from heaven every single morning. They could only gather enough for one day, except before the Sabbath. God was teaching them to trust him daily, not to worry about tomorrow. Later, God sent Elijah to a brook called Cherith, and ravens brought him bread and meat every morning and evening. God also reminded his people through Moses that "man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." Jesus was continuing this same pattern: God's Covenant promises include faithful provision for those who trust him.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some things that kids your age sometimes worry about, and how can remembering the birds and lilies help?

2. Why do you think Jesus said to seek God's kingdom first, instead of worrying about food and clothes?

3. How can trusting God one day at a time (not worrying about tomorrow) change the way you feel right now?

So What? What Can I Do?

When you feel worry creeping into your heart, what can you actually do? First, stop and look at something God has made: a bird outside your window, a flower in your yard, or even your own hands. Remember that God cares for those things, and he cares for you even more. Second, talk to God about your worry. Tell him exactly what you're afraid of. Third, choose one thing you can do today to seek God's kingdom: pray for a friend, help someone in need, or read one Bible verse. Taking action pushes worry out and invites God's peace in.

Memorize God's Word

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

• But seek first his kingdom point one finger up toward heaven, then make a crown shape over your head with both hands to show a kingdom.

• and his righteousness place both hands flat over your heart, then lift them up as if offering something pure to God.

• and all these things spread your arms wide open as if gathering everything around you.

• will be given to you as well. cup your hands together in front of you like receiving a gift, then bow slightly.

Praying with Kids

Dear Father, thank you for feeding the birds and clothing the lilies. Please help us remember that you love us even more. When we start to worry about food, clothes, school, or tomorrow, calm our hearts and help us trust you one day at a time. Show us how to seek your kingdom first today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Craft or Activity

Trust God's Provision Bird Feeder

How to Make the Trust God's Provision Bird Feeder:

  1. Tie a piece of string around the top of your pinecone, leaving a loop for hanging.
  2. Spread peanut butter all over the pinecone using a plastic knife or craft stick. Get it into all the little gaps.
  3. Pour birdseed onto a paper plate or tray.
  4. Roll the peanut butter-covered pinecone in the birdseed until it is completely covered.
  5. Hang your bird feeder outside on a tree branch where you can see it from a window.
  6. Watch the birds come to eat. Remember: if God feeds these birds, he will surely take care of you too

Effective Teaching Techniques

For younger children, bring real feathers or a small potted flower to hold while telling the story. Tactile objects help them remember the birds and lilies. When children share worries, write each one on a small slip of paper, then place them in a "worry jar" and pray over the jar as a group. For older kids, extend the discussion by asking how worrying about tomorrow can actually make today harder. If you have children with anxiety, validate their feelings first, then gently point them back to God's character using this passage. Consider repeating the memory verse with hand motions every time worry is mentioned.