Matthew 6:11

"Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Key Reflection

In Matthew 6:11, Jesus instructs his disciples to pray for the establishment of God’s Kingdom and the fulfillment of His will on earth as it exists in heaven. This prayer reflects the first-century Jewish longing for the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom, where God’s rule would be fully realized both physically (in Jerusalem) and spiritually. For the original audience, this verse encapsulated their hope for a time when God's sovereignty would reign supreme, mirroring the perfect order seen in heaven on earth, addressing both political and spiritual aspirations.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 11. Give us this day, etc. The word bread here denotes, doubtless, everything necessary to sustain life, Mt 4:4; De 8:3. This petition implies our dependence on God for the supply of our wants. As we are dependent on him one day as much as another, it was evidently the intention of our Saviour that prayer should be offered every day. This is, moreover, expressed in the plural number-- give us. It is evidently, therefore, intended to be used by more than one, or by some community of people. No community or congregation can meet every day for worship but families. It is therefore evident that this prayer is a strong implied command for daily family prayer.

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