To understand the background of Matthew 6, we need to consider the broader context of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the socio-religious climate of 1st century Palestine. Here's a breakdown:
1. The Sermon on the Mount:
* Purpose: The Sermon on the Mount is widely considered a core teaching of Jesus, presenting a higher standard of righteousness than that of the scribes and Pharisees. It's not just about outward obedience to the law, but also about inward transformation and a sincere heart relationship with God.
* Audience: While the text says "his disciples" (Matthew 5:1), it's likely that a larger crowd was also present and listening. This would have included a mix of people: those already following Jesus, those curious about his teachings, and perhaps even some opponents or skeptics.
* Setting: The setting is a hillside in Galilee. This provided a natural amphitheater for Jesus to address a large crowd.
2. Socio-Religious Context of 1st Century Palestine:
* Jewish Law and Tradition: The Jewish people lived under the authority of the Mosaic Law (Torah) and a vast body of oral traditions and interpretations developed by the scribes and Pharisees. These traditions often emphasized outward observance and ritual purity.
* Pharisees: A prominent religious group that emphasized adherence to the Law and traditions. While they sought to be righteous, Jesus often criticized them for their hypocrisy, legalism, and seeking the praise of others.
* Hypocrisy: A key concern of Jesus in Matthew 6 is the problem of religious hypocrisy. He criticizes practices done for show, seeking the applause of people rather than the approval of God. This was likely a prevalent issue in the religious culture of the time.
* Poverty and Social Injustice: Many people in Palestine lived in poverty, and the religious leaders were often accused of exploiting the poor. This provides context for Jesus' teachings on almsgiving (giving to the needy).
* Roman Rule: Palestine was under Roman rule, which created political and social tensions. While religion was allowed, the Roman authorities had significant influence.
3. Specific Background of Matthew 6:
* Focus on Piety: Matthew 6 deals with three key aspects of Jewish piety:
* Almsgiving (Giving to the Needy): Jewish people were expected to give to the poor.
* Prayer: Prayer was a central part of Jewish religious life.
* Fasting: Fasting was practiced as a way to demonstrate repentance, mourn, or seek God's favor.
* Critique of Hypocrisy: Jesus specifically addresses the motivations behind these acts of piety. He condemns those who perform them ostentatiously, seeking to be seen and praised by others. He emphasizes the importance of doing these things secretly and sincerely, with the intention of pleasing God alone.
* The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13): This prayer is presented as a model for how believers should pray. It emphasizes God's holiness, the coming of his kingdom, seeking his will, dependence on God for daily needs, forgiveness, and protection from temptation.
* Treasures in Heaven vs. Earth (Matthew 6:19-24): Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth, which are subject to decay and theft. He encourages people to focus on storing up treasures in heaven, which are eternal. This is related to the idea of having the right priorities and not being consumed by material possessions.
* Anxiety and Trust in God (Matthew 6:25-34): Jesus urges his followers not to be anxious about their basic needs (food, clothing, etc.). He points to the birds and the lilies as examples of God's provision and encourages people to trust that God will care for them if they seek first his kingdom and righteousness.
In summary, the background of Matthew 6 involves:
* A focus on the inner motivations and sincerity behind religious practices.
* A critique of hypocrisy and outward displays of piety done for the sake of human praise.
* A call to a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
* An emphasis on trusting God to provide for needs and focusing on eternal values rather than material possessions.
* The socio-religious context of 1st century Palestine, including the importance of Jewish law, the influence of the Pharisees, the prevalence of poverty, and the Roman occupation.
Understanding this background helps to illuminate the meaning and significance of Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6. It challenges us to examine our own motivations and priorities and to seek a genuine relationship with God that is characterized by sincerity, humility, and trust.