Matthew 1:1-7:29

The sermon on the mount and anxiety

Jesus, the true Israel and the Son of God, is contrasted to the old Israel—the failed children of Abraham. Jesus invites his listeners to please the Father rather than seeking earthly praise. Followers of God should have inner unseen devotion, not outward visible hypocrisy. The kingdom of heaven is at hand, but its focus is heavenly, not earthly. With this in mind, we should not be anxious. We have a heavenly Father and should share his heavenly focus.