Lk 2:41-51
Priorities: Jesus says that it is important for us to question our priorities, if we are to determine upon which path—mammon or God—we are traveling. Matthew poses a series of questions which leads the reader to uncover his or her real priorities. Of course, the answers to the questions also form Matthew’s argument of why one should choose the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness (his will) above all else.
The questions and answers lead to a typical Matthean comparison. Pagans or non-believers seek food, drink and clothes; these are their top priorities. Authentic followers of Jesus seek the kingdom of God first. They trust that all their needs will be met by God.
People who have their priorities straight behave differently from the pagans. They submit to God’s kingdom, to God’s way. Their moral conduct is in conformity with God’s will. What they discover as a result of this is that all their needs are met. Matthew is not saying that people do not need to eat or to drink or that they do not need to wear clothes. He simply questions how important these “things” (which pagans seek) are in comparison to the kingdom of God and his righteousness (which Christians seek).