Anxiety - Do Not Worry

Anxiety - Do Not Worry - In-Depth Summary

The in-depth summary of each bible study differs from the small group bible study laid out before the leader and the students.  The small group studies are intended to be interactive, provide a learning atmosphere for students, and open discussions allowing for interpretations of what the gospels’ witnessed.  The in-depth summary is designed to help the leader with expansive information, much more than what is in the text notes found at the bottom of every bible page.  An exhaustive search was completed on each verse to help the leader answer questions that may come up during the study.

Only Matthew and Luke cover Jesus’ teaching on anxiety, or not to worry.  Did you know that the word 'worry' is not found in the King James Version, nor in the original Greek to English translation?  The original Greek word μεριμνάω (merimnaó)[1] means thought.  The word worry, was not invented until about AD 1500 and was first recorded in the 1800s.[2] The King James Version of the Bible was published in 1611 and used the word thought.[3] Today, the word worry, is used in over half of the different bible versions.  There are two sections in this study.  (1) Comprehending worry and (2) how to overcome worry.  Jesus provides examples of comfort and reassurance to the people, demonstrating that if God accomplishes a greater thing or act (creating you), then He is quite capable of doing a lesser thing or act (feeding you).

Comprehending Worry

Matthew 6:25a, and Luke 12:22 (outlined in black): Both passages are very similar. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus starts the verse with, therefore.  The word therefore is a conjunctive adverb, which connects two independent clauses or sentences, showing the relationship between them.  We will review the previous verse, Matthew 6:24, to see what Jesus is trying to connect (see below for Matthew 6:24). 

Jesus states, “Do not worry.”  Worry or anxiety is a reflection that one lacks trust in God. Notice that Jesus does not dismiss one to have responsibility. He is commanding you not to worry.  Jesus instructs the people about four things not to worry about: Do not worry about your life, do not worry about what to eat, do not worry about what to drink, and do not worry about what to wear.  Therefore, if He is commanding you not to worry, then worry is a sin against God.  The opposite of worry is peace.  The less worry you have in life, the more peace you will have in life. Jesus is telling them not to be anxious about their wants, for their needs are already provided.[4]  Most of the things people worry or are anxious about are possibilities of events that have not happened yet and are in the future.

Matthew 6:24:  This verse immediately precedes the study, “Do not worry.”  24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.[5]  Most scholars believe this verse is where Jesus describes how you cannot serve two masters.  You cannot serve God and riches.  You will either love God and hate money, or you will be loyal to money and despise God.  Having this struggle between two masters creates a great deal of stress, anxiety, and worry about what to do. 

Jesus knew the people in that time were greatly concerned about money.  If they did not have enough money, they could not afford food, water, clothing, shelter, and sustain themselves.  Even today, a lot of people worry about not having enough money.  Not enough money to spend on retirement, or to send their children to college, or to pay the bills day by day.  Most people live beyond their means, which causes them to worry about money.  Jesus does not say you should not have resources or plan future events, but He does not want you to worry or obsess about it. Jesus reminds them not to be anxious about the money they don’t have.  Jesus then transitions to the next section, telling people, “Do not worry.”

In this passage, Jesus states four compelling arguments that beautifully illustrate the duty of trusting in God for our essential needs.

#1 Matthew 6:25b, and Luke 12:23 (outlined in red): Both of these verses are very similar.  The first argument, Matthew writes this as a question and Jesus states, “Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”  Luke states almost the same thing but answers it as a statement: “Life is more important than the food we eat, and the body is more important than clothing.”  In essence, Jesus is saying I have given you your life and your body; do you not trust Me that I will provide you the provisions to sustain your life?  Creating life is the greater accomplishment.  Sustaining life is the lesser accomplishment.  Just as creating the body is a greater accomplishment, clothing is a lesser one.  This is very different from today, where people have homes, food in the pantry and refrigerator, clothes in their closets, and enough furniture to fill a two-, three- or four-bedroom apartment or house.  In Jesus’ time, most people lived day to day, not knowing when they would get their next meal.  They usually had one or two sets of clothing.  They had to go to a well daily to obtain water.  Most homes had only one, two or three divided rooms.  The people were living hand to mouth, and Jesus was telling them not to worry.

#2 Matthew 6:26, and Luke 12:24 (outlined in dark blue): Both Matthew and Luke are nearly identical.  Jesus describes this in reverse, stating that a bird, being the lesser, is unable to do as much as humans.  A bird does not have a relationship with God.  A bird cannot pray.  A bird is not filled with the Holy Spirit.  A bird was not created in the image of God.  A bird cannot read the Bible.  Birds go through the same motions every day; they build their nest, make babies, leave their nest, find food, and then return to the nest, and yet God provides for them.  The second argument Jesus states is, “Are you not more valuable than they?” (meaning birds).  If God provides for all the birds who don’t worry and are considered the lesser of man, what makes you think that He cannot provide for you, who are made in His image?  The implied answer is, yes, of course, God’s children are more valuable than a bird.  If God feeds the (lesser) birds, He will also feed the (greater) God’s children.  Instead of worrying about their basic needs, Jesus urges people to trust in God, who will provide what is needed.

#3 Matthew 6:27, and Luke 12:25 (outlined in orange): The third argument Jesus states, “by worrying, which of you can add one cubit (day) to your stature (life).” In Jesus’ time, a cubit was commonly referred to as the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, or approximately eighteen inches.  Some scholars believe Jesus is not referring to the distance, but rather to the length of life.  They are not in agreement on whether it is one hour, one day, or one year.  However, they commonly agree, based on the text, that Jesus is referring to time.  They refer to Psalm 39:4-6.[6]  The term “stature” probably refers to longevity or the length of life.

#4 Matthew 6:28-30, and Luke 12:27-28 (outlined in grey):  The fourth argument Jesus states, “God takes care of the lilies of the field. They neither toil nor spin, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, will He not much more clothe you?” 

The lilies of the field are an example of God’s care. They are not just simply flowers growing in the field, they are God’s example of simple natural beauty.  Lilies have a lower chance of survival and are at a disadvantage compared to birds.  The lilies and grass of the field are both here temporarily – they flourish and blossom and then they are gone.  Birds can at least fly away and find food, while lilies rely on pollination and rain to survive. 

Then Jesus compares Solomon, in all his glory, to the lilies of the field.  God gave Solomon riches and fame. Because of his wealth, he had a beautiful palace. It took thirteen years to build his own house. 1 Kings 7:1-12[7] But the wealthiest and most magnificent king in Isreal was still not as beautiful as the lilies in the field.[8]  Jesus points out that if God can provide for the flowers that are here today and then gone so quickly as tomorrow, which are thrown into the oven as fuel, how much more can He provide for us.

The lilies of the field must look more glorious than Solomon’s royal garments.  The lilies of the field are in their inherent, organic beauty.  A field of lilies swaying back and forth in the wind appears like a wave of wonder, as if the flowers are dancing to an invisible music.  Their delicate petals provide a breathtaking level of perfection—each carefully crafted by the creator. Whereas Solomon’s fine fabric would look exceptional, it would be coarse under a microscope.   It would still be a product of human labor and material.  Creating the dyes would be expensive and complex.  It would still be no match for the effortless detail of the flowers created by God.

Matthew 6:31, and Luke 12:29 (outlined in green):  Jesus states to the crowd again.  “Do not worry about what you shall eat, what you shall drink, or what you shall wear.” These are the most basic physiological needs for life.  In 1943, Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, developed a hierarchy pyramid of five basic human needs. Starting from the bottom, physiological needs include air, water, food, shelter, sleep, clothing, and reproduction.  All three of the needs Jesus tells us not to worry about – food, water, and clothing – are at this level.[9]  Jesus still maintains and states, “do not worry” about them.

Matthew 6:32, and Luke 12:30 (outlined in purple):  When you worry, you are acting like the Gentiles.  In modern society, Gentiles were labeled as pagans.  These were non-believers who were oblivious to the existence of God and also failed to recognize His providential care.  Most of them believed the soul perished alongside the body, while only a few entertained the idea that something persisted after death.   With an ungodly approach, they are constantly trying to stockpile their wealth and resources to keep terrible things from happening to them.  The idol worship continues as they try to please their gods.  They are anxiously concerned about food, water, clothing, and other necessities.

There are two important key points about Jesus' teaching. First, Jesus does not promise a lavish lifestyle. Instead, He assures His followers that God will meet their needs according to His will. Second, Jesus encourages His followers to work, plan, and spend wisely. While God provides for our needs, believers should avoid obsessing over wealth or fearing poverty. God, as our Father, ensures that His children receive what they truly need.

Luke 12:26 (outlined in pink): Only Luke mentions this verse. Jesus asks the question if the least of something that cannot be obtained, why do you worry about the larger part not being obtained.  There is little commentary on this particular verse.  If you can’t accomplish the least of something, why are you worried about the rest of the task? Most who have commented on this verse believe this is a continuation from Mark 12:25. Since you cannot add one cubit to your statue or measure to your days, how much can you control the vast number of contingencies?

How To Overcome Worry

Matthew 6:33, and Luke 12:31 (outlined in light blue): Both of these verses are similar.  There are three parts to this teaching.

1.      Jesus states, to seek the kingdom of God.  Align your priorities, decisions, and actions under God’s authority.  God is not waiting for the end of your life to be with Him.  He wants you to be in His life now.[10]

2.      Jesus states, to “seek His righteousness. (Matthew only)”   Righteousness commonly means to have the right relationship with God.  One that reflects God’s character. The objective here is to let God’s Spirit transform your heart.  Doing good works is self-righteousness; it will not win God’s favor.[11]

3.      Jesus states, “and all these things shall be added to you.”  If you put God first, He will provide what you need.  Trust in God and He will provide for your needs.[12]  But that does not mean, when you trust Him, you can sit back, relax, and wait for your needs to show up.

Do not worry.  Commit your life to Jesus Christ. Give Him everything you are worried about.

Matthew 6:34 (outlined in brown): There are three parts to this teaching.

1.      Jesus states, “Do not worry about tomorrow.”  Jesus commands us not to be anxious about the future, but that does not mean we should not plan wisely. Do not dwell on things that will happen tomorrow. 

2.      Jesus states, “for tomorrow will worry about its own things.”  For tomorrow will take care of itself.   Each day – yesterday, today, and tomorrow – has its own challenges, obstacles, regrets, pleasures, and rewards.

3.      Jesus states, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”  Each day has its own struggles; why add unnecessary worries for tomorrow?  Focus on the present – Life inevitably brings challenges and difficulties every day. This verse reminds us not to get anxious about the future, because each day already has its own problems that require attention.  Avoid unnecessary worry – Worrying about what might happen tomorrow adds extra, unnecessary stress. It doesn’t solve problems, and it can prevent you from handling today’s issues effectively. Take life one day at a time – The teaching encourages a mindset of mindful living: address today’s concerns today, and trust that you will have the strength and resources to handle tomorrow when it comes.

Jesus states, “focus your life living one day at a time.  Do not focus or dwell on things that have not yet happened or did or should have happened yesterday.

A recent study (2019) by Pennsylvania State University found that “85% of worries were rated as having turned out “better than expected.”[13] 

Stress does not exist out in the world.  Stress is something we create in our heads.  Anxiety does not exist out in the world.  Anxiety is something we create in our heads.  Depression does not exist in the world.  Depression is something we create for ourselves.

Luke 12:32 (outlined in brown): In closing this study, Jesus is reassuring His followers not to live a life of anxiety or worry.  Believers are to trust that God provides and protects.  The little flock Jesus is referring to is His followers, those who trust in God.  God delights in blessing his followers with His kingdom.  The kingdom is not earned through fear or effort – it is a gift from God.  It will provide everlasting, eternal peace, life, and they will share in His divine purpose. 

[1] Strong, James. The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville, TN, Thomas Nelson, 2010. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament. p. 160. #3309

[2] HarperCollins Publishers. “The American Heritage Dictionary Entry: Worry.” Ahdictionary.com, 2022, www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=worry. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

[3] The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “King James Version | History & Background.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 24 Oct. 2017, www.britannica.com/topic/King-James-Version.

[4] 2819 Church. “KINGDOM GEMS | Do Not Worry | Matthew 6:25-34 | Philip Anthony Mitchell.” YouTube, 16 Apr. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpOLhGFdquU. Accessed 16 May 2025.

[5] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 1419.

[6] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 805.

[7] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. NKJV Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2018, p. 501-502.

[8] Barnes, Albert, and Robert Frew. Notes on the New Testament: Matthew and Mark. Grand Rapids, Mich., Baker Book House, 1985. p. 73.

[9] McLeod, Saul. “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.” Simply Psychology, 3 Aug. 2025, www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html.

[10] “What Matthew 6:33 (Seek First the Kingdom of God) Means.” BibleProject, bibleproject.com/articles/what-matthew-6-33-seek-first-the-kingdom-of-god-means/.

[11] “Seeking God’s Righteousness.” Like an Anchor, 30 Nov. 2019, likeananchor.com/2019/11/30/seeking-gods-righteousness/. Accessed 28 Sept. 2025.

[12] Parnell, Jonathan. “God Will Give You Everything You Need.” Desiring God, 27 May 2014, www.desiringgod.org/articles/god-will-give-you-everything-you-need. Accessed 28 Sept. 2025.

[13] LaFreniere, Lucas S., and Michelle G. Newman. “Exposing Worry’s Deceit: Percentage of Untrue Worries in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment.” Behavior Therapy, vol. 51, no. 3, July 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2019.07.003.

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