All things bear record · Matthew

Matthew 6

5 witnesses of Christ here.

Jesus teaches secret devotion

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 6:1–8

Jesus teaches that giving, praying, and worship should be done for God, not to be seen. The Son knows the Father personally and tells us He sees and rewards what is done in secret.

AttestedExplicitHe speaks in the first person

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • a parallel account in 3 Nephi 13:1-8 — The same teaching given to the Nephites.

The Lord's Prayer

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Matthew 6:9–15

Jesus gives a pattern for prayer to the Father. He, the Son who always did the Father's will, teaches us to pray 'Thy will be done' and to forgive as we hope to be forgiven.

AttestedExplicitHe speaks in the first person

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • a parallel account in 3 Nephi 13:9-13 — The pattern prayer given to the Nephites.
  • a parallel account in Luke 11:2-4 — Luke's account of the pattern prayer.
  • alluded to by Matthew 26:39 — In Gethsemane He prays His own prayer: 'not as I will, but as thou wilt.'

Jesus teaches treasures in heaven

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:16–21

Jesus teaches true fasting and warns against living for earthly wealth. Our hearts follow what we value most.

AttestedExplicitHe speaks in the first person

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • a parallel account in 3 Nephi 13:16-21 — The same teaching given to the Nephites.

An eye single — filled with His light

The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. Matthew 6:22–23

A 'single' eye is focused on one thing. In latter-day revelation the Lord explains the focus: an eye single to His glory fills the whole body with light.

AttestedEchoAn echo of Him

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • interpreted by D&C 88:67 — 'If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light.'

Jesus teaches: seek first the kingdom

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24–34

Jesus teaches that we cannot split our loyalty between God and money. He invites us to trust a Father who feeds birds and clothes lilies, and to put God's kingdom first.

AttestedExplicitHe speaks in the first person

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

  • a parallel account in 3 Nephi 13:24-34 — The Nephite version, where verse 25 notes He spoke these words to the twelve He had chosen.
  • alludes to Jacob 2:18-19 — Jacob: seek ye for the kingdom of God before ye seek for riches.