Matthew is the first book found in the New Testament and is a part of what most Christians call the gospels. The others are Mark, Luke, and John. I suppose better wording would be to say this is the Gospel (or Good News Story), according to Matthew.
Matthew was written by a man named Matthew or Levi around 70 CE. The book outlines the narrative of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While it may seem strange to note, it was specifically written for a Jewish audience.
This is important for the reader to know as it helps us to understand why Matthew mentions specific things in Scripture and yet leaves others out.
For example, it has a heavy focus on Jesus' genealogy and proves that He was of Jewish decent and that He came from the line of David.
Matthew’s gospel is one we should read slowly, as he was one of the 12 disciples. What we will receive from him is, in part, first-hand information of Jesus' life.
Matthew and Jesus became friends when working as a tax collector, which was one of the lowest jobs in society. Jesus calls Matthew to follow him. You can read this account in Matthew 9, Luke 5, or Mark 2.
Today, we are asking an important question: why should Christians pray for “Our Daily Bread”? This is found in Matthew 6 and is part of the prayer Jesus spoke to teach His disciples on prayer.
Some have called this the Lord's Prayer, and it is often quoted in church, in daily prayers, and taught to children to memorize.
What Is Our Daily Bread?
Because God is Jehovah Jireh, He is our Lord who provides. This means that He provides for us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Bread is known to sustain us, and by asking for our daily bread, we are asking God to provide for us the food we will need to sustain our bodies through the day.
We may go to a store, or farmer’s market, or pick from our garden supplies or pantry, but friend, all the foods we consume are ours because God has ensured it to be so.
This idea of asking God for all our physical needs is vital. It is as the verse explains a daily need. God will only provide you with enough for today. So, it is an important thing to do.
By coming to Jesus daily, we are sure that he will provide what we need for today, but we also know that in leaning on and depending on God, we should not become entitled people, believing it is all from us and for us.
When we live with the mentality that what we have is God’s, it makes it much easier to share those things bestowed to us from heaven with others who are in need and not hoard for ourselves.
Martin Luther would say that this “daily Bread is everything we need in life to sustain us,” even things like shelter, faithful friends, and supportive relatives are included in this list of things that Jesus offers us.
But as well as a physical aspect of the prayer, by asking for our daily bread, we are also aware that in praying for ‘our daily bread,’ we are asking Jesus to provide the grace we need to sustain us in our days.
No matter what our day holds, be that with a screaming baby who is teething, a sick loved one, a job we hate, or financial issues that we cannot see a way through. Jesus offers us the grace to be able to navigate those hard circumstances that life can throw our way.
But He also offers us mercy to give us what we do not deserve and forgiveness when we come to Him confessing our sins. The prayer also says that God leads us away from temptation and sins.
In John 6, Jesus calls himself the “Bread of Life.” Here, Jesus is telling His followers that He is the source of all things. All things come through Him, both in this life and in the eternal life that we will one day abide in.
But this bread does not perish or spoil because Jesus' Kingdom knows no end! But in saying Give us our daily bread, is it possible that it is a nod to give us more of Jesus?
I know I can’t get through my days without Jesus in them! We know Jesus does not only sustain us, but he guides us, leads us, protects us, and prays for us, and I know I need more of that in my life.
What Are We Asking for with ‘Our Daily Bread’?
Our Daily bread, as I have said, is part of the prayer outlined by Jesus in the gospels. It begins with “Our Father who are in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
This prayer while it includes a petition for our daily needs also acknowledges the sovereignty of God, His holiness, and His position as first in our lives.
By asking for our daily bread, we are acknowledging two things. First, we need assistance, and second, we need a place from where we will get that support. We acknowledge that our dependence rests on God for His assistance and help in our lives.
This prayer teaches us humility. It teaches us to pray specific things to God and to address Him in his right place.
It is so important that we, as Christians, pray to God and petition Him for our loved ones and our circumstances. While doing so generally is great, can you imagine how much more you would notice the hand of God moving in your life if you prayed specifically?
As Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” what if we were to pray similarly and pray, “Please save ….” or “Please heal …”
What if we named people before the throne of God? What if we labeled the things or circumstances that we need God to move in and watch with open eyes to see Him at work?
Please don’t hear me wrong here, I know God knows all things. He is Omniscient, meaning He knows all things, but what if it isn’t about Him knowing and more to do with us having a relationship?
What if it is more about us communing with Him and having a conversation or simply trusting God with our prayers and our heart's desires? God will always provide for us, of that, I am sure.
Why Do We Pray?
So, today, friend, why not look up the Lord's Prayer in the Bible and read it over, pray it for yourself and over your home and your family, and watch as God moves in you and through you?
But what if you don’t know Jesus yet? Oh, friend, you are missing out on a wonderful relationship with Jesus and a wonderful world of provision and friendship.
If you would like to know more about this great love, please pick up a Bible on paper or online or contact a local church that would be happy to introduce you to the greatest friend you could ever know.
For further reading:
Why Is Jesus Called the 'Bread of Life'?
The Lord's Prayer ‘Our Father’ - Bible Meaning and Application
What Does Each Section of The Lord's Prayer Mean?
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Thomas Soellner
