Anxiety - Do Not Worry

Discussion Questions: “Anxiety - Do Not Worry”

Leader to read: Only Matthew and Luke cover Jesus’ teaching on anxiety or not to worry.  Do you know why 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 the word thought was used.[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 (such as feeding you).

Comprehending Worry

Do not worry about your life.  (Have someone read the verses outlined in black: Matthew 6:25a and Luke 12:22)

25a “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. (Matthew 6:25a)

22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. (Luke 12:22)

Leader to read: Notice what Jesus is saying here.  It is not a suggestion, not to worry; He is commanding you not to worry.   Do not worry.

1.      What are the four things Jesus instructs the people not to worry about?

a.      Do not worry about your life

b.     Do not worry about what to eat or drink

c.      Do not worry about your body

d.     Do not worry about what to wear[4]

Leader to read: Why is Jesus telling us not to worry?  To answer this, we need to read the previous verse, Matthew 6:24, to bring it into context.  (Have someone read Matthew 6:24) 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]  "Mammon" is an Aramaic word for wealth, money, or material possessions.  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. Most people live beyond their means, which again 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 about it. Jesus reminds them not to be anxious about money they don’t have.

Leader to read: Jesus has four questions or arguments he asks the people:

The first argument.  (Have someone read verses outlined in red: Matthew 6:25b, and Luke 12:23.)

25b Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? (Matthew 6:25b)

23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. (Luke 12:23)

2.      What does Jesus say is more important than life?

Clothing.

3.      What is the lesser and greater accomplishment?

Life is the greater accomplishment, and food is the lesser accomplishment.

4.      What does Jesus say is more important than clothes?

The body.

5.      What is the lesser and greater accomplishment?

The body is the greater and the clothes are the lesser accomplishments.

6.      What is the difference between the two verses? 

Matthew’s version asks the questions.  Luke’s version states the answer.

The second argument.  (Have someone read verses outlined in dark blue: Matthew 6:26, and Luke 12:24.)

26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26)

24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? (Luke 12:24)

7.      What does Jesus say the birds in the air do not do?

They do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns.

8.      Do you think birds worry? (This is a rhetorical question.)  In the most simplistic needs, what do birds do?

Probably not. Birds build their nest, make babies, leave their nest, find food, and then return to the nest, and yet God provides for them. 

9.      Why are you more important than a bird?

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.

10. Are God’s children more important than a bird?

Yes. God’s children are made in His image.

11. If God feeds the birds, who would be considered the lesser, do you think He cannot provide for you?

Birds are the lesser. No, God can provide for us.

The third argument.  (Have someone read verses outlined in orange: Matthew 6:27, and Luke 12:25)

27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? (Matthew 6:27)

25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? (Luke 12:25)

12. What is a cubit?

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.

13. What is a person’s stature?

Stature refers to longevity or the length of life.

14. What Psalms verses do the scholars use to refer to cubits as time?

Psalms 39:4-6.  Leader to read: Have someone read Psalms 39:4-6.[6]

15. If you worry, can the act of worrying add any additional time to your life?

No.  No one can control the length of one’s life or outcomes by worrying. 

The fourth argument. (Have someone read verses outlined in grey: Matthew 6:28-30 and Luke 12:27-28.)

28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:28-30)

27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? (Luke 12:27-30)

16. How does God clothe the grass of the field?

God pollinates the field and provides rain and sunshine, allowing the field to look beautiful with lily flowers.

17. Why and how was Solomon portrayed in all his glory?

Jesus used Solomon as an example because he was the wealthiest and most magnificent king in Israel’s history.  Have someone read 1 Kings 7:1-51.[7]

18. Jesus states that the lilies of the field do not compare to Solomon in all his glory. Describe how the lilies of the field must look than that of Solomon’s glory.

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 to produce.  It would still be no match for the effortless detail of the flowers created by God.

19. How much less are the fields compared to the, birds and yet God provides for them?

The lilies of the field are uncultivated plants.  They are simply flowers growing in the field.  Lilies have a lower chance of survival and are at a disadvantage compared to birds.  Birds can at least fly away and find food, while lilies rely on pollination and rain to survive.

20. How is God providing for the grass in the field, much lower than providing for us?

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.

Eat, drink, and wear. (Have someone read verses outlined in green, Matthew 6:31, and Luke 12:29.)

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ (Matthew 6:31)

29“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. (Luke 12:29)

21. What are the four things Jesus instructs the people not to worry about?

a.      Do not worry about what to eat

b.     Do not worry about what to drink

c.      Do not worry about what to wear

d.     Do not have an anxious mind

All the things you need. (Have someone read verses outlined in purple, Matthew 6:32, and Luke 12:30.)

32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  (Matthew 6:32)

30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. (Luke 12:30)

22. What do the Gentiles and all the nations of the world seek and worry that Jesus is talking about? 

In modern society, Gentiles were labeled as pagans.  They were non-believers who tried to stockpile their wealth and resources to keep terrible things from happening to them. They are anxiously concerned about food, water, clothing, things, and riches.

23. What does Jesus promise your heavenly Father will do?

He assures His followers that God will meet their needs according to His will.  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.

Not able to do the least. (Have someone read the verse outlined in pink, Luke 12:26

26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?

Leader to read: Only Luke mentions this verse. There is little commentary on this particular verse.  What is stated is that if you are not able to accomplish the least of something, then why are you worried about the rest of the task? Some believe this is a continuation of Mark 12:25

24. Provide an example of how this may have played out in your life.

Example:  John has been offered a promotion at work that comes with a lot more responsibility. However, he struggles to complete his current tasks on time and often forgets small but essential details. He keeps worrying about the new role, imagining all the challenges and pressures it would bring.

How To Overcome Worry

Seek the kingdom of God. (Have someone read verses outlined in light blue Matthew 6:33, and Luke 12:31.)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. (Luke 12:31)

25. How do you 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.[8]

26. Matthew includes “seek His righteousness.”  How do you seek His righteousness?

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.[9]

27.  Jesus states, “all things shall be added to you.” Does mean that if you seek His kingdom and righteousness, you will get whatever you want?  If not, what does this mean?

Wants are not inherently sinful, but unchecked desire can lead to greed, distraction, or misplaced priorities.  Trust in God and He will provide for your needs.[10]  He values reliance on Him over anxiety about material things.

Tomorrow’s worries. (Have someone read the verse outlined in brown Matthew 6:34.)

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.  (Matthew 6:34)

28. Why does Jesus state, “Do not worry about tomorrow”?

Jesus commands us not to be anxious about the future, because tomorrow will take care of itself.

29. Does that mean we should not plan for tomorrow?

This does not mean we should neglect careful planning.  For example, if you know you have a trip tomorrow that requires boarding a plane, it is prudent to purchase your plane ticket in advance to secure a seat. However, there is no need to worry unnecessarily about the trip itself.

30. Explain “sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Please focus on the present, for each day has its own struggles.  Each day – yesterday, today, and tomorrow – has its own challenges, obstacles, regrets, pleasures, and rewards.  Avoid unnecessary worrying that will add extra stress.  Take life one day at a time, by having a mindful life and a fulfilled day.

31. What is the percentage chance of the things that we worry about actually happening?

15% of the time.  In 2019, the Pennsylvania State University found that “85% of worries were rated as having turned out “better than expected.”[11]

God’s blessing to His followers. (Have someone read verses outlined in brown Luke 6:32.)

32 ”Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  (Luke 6:32)

32. Who is the little flock?

The little flock is Jesus’ followers.

33. What is God’s blessing?

God delights in blessing his followers with His kingdom.  The kingdom is not earned through fear or effort – it is a gift from God.

[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] “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/.

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

[10] 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.

[11] 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.