Matthew 6:31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Cross-references
In Matthew 6:28, Jesus points to the lilies as an example of God's provision, directly addressing the worry about clothing mentioned here.
Matthew 15:33 shows disciples worrying about food in a desolate place — the very anxiety Jesus commands against here.
Matthew 10:19 extends the same 'do not worry' command to persecution, showing the principle applies beyond material needs.
Matthew 4:4 quotes that man lives by every word of God, not just bread — reinforcing the call here not to be anxious about food.
1 Peter 5:7 urges casting all anxiety on God because He cares, echoing the same call to trust.
Luke 12:29 is the parallel account of Jesus' teaching, worded similarly – 'do not seek what you will eat or drink'.
Psalm 55:22 commands casting burdens on God who sustains – a direct antidote to the anxiety Jesus forbids.
Psalm 37:3 calls to trust in the LORD and do good, directly countering anxiety by focusing on faithfulness.
Luke 4:4 quotes Jesus refusing bread alone, reinforcing that life depends on God's word, not just material food.
Luke 22:35 recalls the disciples' mission when they lacked nothing, affirming God's provision and the pointlessness of worry.
John 6:27 urges labor for eternal food rather than perishable food, echoing the priority shift from material worry to spiritual trust.
Philippians 4:11 presents Paul's contentment in all circumstances, a lived example of the freedom from worry Jesus teaches.
Leviticus 25:20-22 addresses the same question 'What shall we eat?' with God's promise of provision during the sabbatical year.
Psalm 78:18-31 recounts Israel's grumbling for food and God's judgment – a negative example of anxiety and testing God.
1 Kings 17:6 describes God feeding Elijah through ravens – a concrete example of divine provision removing worry.
Deuteronomy 29:5 shows God miraculously preserving Israel's clothes and sandals in the wilderness – evidence He provides for needs.
Psalm 33:19 says God delivers from death and keeps alive in famine – reason to trust Him for daily food.
Acts 28:10 shows Paul's needs supplied by others on Malta, a narrative example of God providing without anxious striving.