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Thy Father Which Seeth in Secret

Jesus asks who our goodness is really for, then invites us to trade anxious worry for seeking His kingdom first

  • 📖 Adult Sunday School
  • Week 8
  • 📅 Sunday, February 21, 2027
💡 The big idea

Our Father in Heaven sees what we do in secret and cares most about why we do it; as we seek His kingdom first and build on the Savior’s words, we can set down both the need to be seen and the weight of worry.

I can do good for my Father’s eyes alone, seek His kingdom first when worry crowds in, and build my week on doing what Jesus said.

Study it yourself firstRead Matthew 6–7 in Gospel LibraryCome, Follow Me manualOpen this week (Matthew 6–7)
Know the chapters

Matthew 6–7 is the second half of the Sermon on the Mount. Chapter 5 closed with “Be ye therefore perfect.” Chapter 6 turns from what disciples do to why they do it. In 6:1–18 Jesus names three acts of devotion every faithful Jew knew. They’re giving alms, praying and fasting. He puts each to the same test. Who is it for? Then He moves on. There’s treasure and the single eye in 6:19–24. There’s worry about food and clothing in 6:25–34. Then come judging in 7:1–5 and asking, seeking and knocking in 7:7–11. The Golden Rule is 7:12. False prophets are known by their fruits in 7:15–20. Last come the wise and foolish builders in 7:24–27.

Two word notes help adults hear chapter 6. The footnote to “hypocrites” in 6:2 explains the Greek word. It means a play actor, someone performing for an audience. And “They have their reward” uses a verb merchants wrote on receipts. It meant “paid in full.” Jesus isn’t saying public goodness earns nothing. He’s saying the applause is the whole payment. In 6:4, 6 and 18, what we do for our Father “in secret” is what He rewards. The footnote to “take no thought” in 6:25 adds more. The Greek means anxious worry. The Savior is talking about worry, not wise planning.

Latter-day scripture adds clarity. The risen Savior gave this sermon at Bountiful too. In 3 Nephi 13:25 He looks at the twelve He chose to minister. He speaks “take no thought for your life” to them. The Joseph Smith Translation of 6:33 is JST Matthew 6:38. It says to seek first “to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness.” JST Matthew 7:2 changes “Judge not” too. It reads, “Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment.”

Twenty-five minutes won’t cover two chapters. So this lesson walks through Matthew 6 in five short readings. It closes with the wise and foolish builders in 7:24–25. The mote and the beam in 7:1–5 is a short bonus. Matthew 6 speaks to two quiet adult struggles. We want to be seen, and we worry about what’s coming. Some in your class may live with anxiety or depression. “Take no thought” is an invitation to trust. It isn’t a rebuke of an illness. Getting good medical care is part of acting in faith. Say so plainly.

Only have 5 minutes?

Read Matthew 6 once. Open with the Nobody Saw question. Walk through five short readings: 6:1–4, 5–8, 19–21, 25–29 and 30–34. Ask one question after each. Spend the most time on Take No Thought. Close by reading 7:24–25 and bearing a short testimony. Invite everyone to do one good thing this week that only Heavenly Father will see.

What to bring2 items

Tick what you have. Forgot something? Every step that needs a supply has a no-supplies version in the plan below.

Before class

  1. Read Matthew 6 out loud once, then Matthew 7:1–5 and 24–27. Know each scene’s setup well enough to say it in your own words.
  2. Think of your honest answer to “What worry takes up the most room in my head right now?” If the room is quiet, you’ll go first. Your honesty sets the tone.

Discussion tips

  • Quiet class? The Sermon on the Mount is so familiar it can feel like there’s nothing new to say. After a reading, ask which word stood out. Wait longer than feels comfortable, then share your own answer.
  • One question catches fire? Stay with it. A great discussion doesn’t cover every question. Let the rest go.
  • One voice filling every pause? Thank them warmly, then say, “Let’s hear from someone who hasn’t had a chance yet.”
  • Worry is tender ground. Someone may be managing anxiety with medication and counseling. Someone may be lying awake over money, a diagnosis or a child. Never suggest that worry means weak faith. Point to 6:32. The Father already knows what we need, and He wants us to bring it to Him.
  • Visitors or new members? Explain that the Sermon on the Mount runs from Matthew 5 to 7. Tap the references on the shared screen. Never ask anyone to read aloud without checking first.

The 25-minute plan25 min + bonus

Bonus steps are for when you have extra time. Each “On the screen” line is what the class sees on a shared screen in Teach Mode in the Gospel Sparks app; on paper, read it aloud or write it on the board.

1. Hook

Nobody Saw

3 min

Opens with a personal question about motive before anyone opens the scriptures.

  1. SAY“Think of something good you did that nobody ever found out about. You don’t need to tell us what it was.”
  2. Give them about 15 seconds of quiet. Then ask, “How did that feel different from doing good that people noticed and thanked you for?”
  3. Take two or three answers. Welcome honest ones, like “Part of me wanted someone to notice.”
  4. SAY“Jesus spoke to that exact feeling. Today we’ll ask who our goodness is really for, and what to do with worry.”

On the screen: 🤫 What good have you done that nobody else ever saw?

2. Story

Matthew 6 in Five Short Readings

9 min

Walks through Matthew 6 a few verses at a time, from who our goodness is for to who is carrying tomorrow, with one question at each stop.

  1. SAY“We’ll walk through Matthew 6 in five short readings. Every word is the Savior’s, so I’ll read. Listen for one question: who is it for?”
  2. Show one scene at a time. Give the one-line setup on the screen, then read the passage out loud.
  3. After each reading, ask the scene’s question and take two or three answers. Keep each stop about two minutes.
  4. After the last reading, let the quiet sit for a few seconds.

On the screen: ⛰️ Matthew 6: who is our goodness for, and who is carrying tomorrow? · Five short readings: 6:1–4 · 5–8 · 19–21 · 25–29 · 30–34

No supplies? Do this instead

Instead of: The shared screen (TV or device) with Teach Mode open

  1. SAY“We’ll walk through Matthew 6 in five short readings. Every word is the Savior’s, so I’ll read.”
  2. Read verses 1–4, 5–8, 19–21, 25–29 and 30–34 yourself. Give each setup in your own words first.
  3. After each reading, ask the scene’s question aloud and take two or three answers. Keep each stop about two minutes.
3. Scripture

Seek Ye First

4 min

Studies Matthew 6:33 closely so class members hear it as the Savior’s answer to worry.

  1. SAY“Verse 33 is an answer to a list of worries.”
  2. Read Matthew 6:31–33 while the class follows on the screen.
  3. Ask, “What worries are listed in verses 31 and 32?” Follow-up: “What does Jesus say our Father already knows?”
  4. Share JST Matthew 6:38, which says seek first “to build up the kingdom of God.” Ask, “How does ‘build up’ change the way you hear it?”
  5. Ask, “What’s one thing that would shift this week if you truly put His kingdom first?”

On the screen: 🥇 Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. · Matthew 6:33 · What are the worries? What does the Father already know?

4. Talk it over

Take No Thought

6 min

Helps adults sort wise planning from anxious worry and practice trusting the Father who sees in secret.

  1. SAY“Jesus talked about worry more gently than we often do. Let’s talk honestly about what He offers instead.”
  2. Pick two or three questions. Ask one, wait, then ask its follow-up before you move on.
  3. Let silence work. Count to seven before you rescue a question. If needed, share your own answer first.
💬 Ask the class
  • The footnote says “take no thought” means don’t be anxious. What’s the difference between planning for tomorrow and being consumed by it? Follow-up: Where is that line hardest for you to find?
  • Our Father “seeth in secret” and “knoweth” what we need. How could being fully seen by Him ease the need for applause, and the weight of worry? Follow-up: When have you felt seen by Him?
  • When has putting the Lord’s kingdom first made room for the very things you were worried about? Follow-up: What would you say to someone who is trying and still waiting?
  • For some, worry is an illness, not a choice. How can we share verse 34 without making anyone feel that anxiety means weak faith? Follow-up: What has actually helped you or someone you love?

On the screen: 🐦 Behold the fowls of the air. Consider the lilies. Your Father knows what you need. · Matthew 6:25–34

5. Testimony

Built upon a Rock

3 min

Ends with testimony of Jesus Christ as the sure foundation and one private, concrete invitation.

  1. SAY“Jesus ended the sermon with two houses and one storm.”
  2. Read Matthew 7:24–25 yourself. The Lord is speaking.
  3. Point out that the difference wasn’t hearing. It was doing. Invite one or two people to share how living a teaching of Jesus held them steady.
  4. Bear a short testimony. Jesus Christ is the rock. Our Father sees what’s done in secret.
  5. Invite: “This week, do one good thing only Heavenly Father will see. And when worry comes, seek His kingdom first.”

On the screen: 🪨 Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them … built his house upon a rock. · Matthew 7:24–25 · This week: one good thing in secret. Seek His kingdom first.

6. Talk it over

The Beam in My Own Eye

4 minBONUS

Turns the Savior’s humor about the mote and the beam into honest self-examination.

  1. SAY“Jesus grew up as ‘the carpenter’s son.’ Listen for a picture only a carpenter would think of.”
  2. Read Matthew 7:3–5. The phrase “the carpenter’s son” is from Matthew 13:55.
  3. Explain that a mote is a speck or splinter. A beam is a timber for building houses. Share President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s words from “From general conference” below.
  4. Ask one or two questions with follow-ups, then close on time.
💬 Ask the class
  • Why is it so much easier to see a speck in someone else than a beam in ourselves? Follow-up: What has helped you notice your own beam?
  • The Joseph Smith Translation says “judge righteous judgment.” What’s the difference between discerning right from wrong and condemning a person? Follow-up: How do you hold both?
  • Think of someone you’ve been quick to judge. What might the Savior see in them that you haven’t? Follow-up: What would change if you saw them that way this week?

On the screen: 🪵 First cast out the beam out of thine own eye. · Matthew 7:3–5 · JST Matthew 7:2: “Judge not unrighteously … but judge righteous judgment.”

Read it together

Who Is It For?

Matthew 6:1–4; Matthew 6:5–8; Matthew 6:19–21; Matthew 6:25–29; Matthew 6:30–34 ↗

Scenes

  1. 🎺 No trumpet, please

    Jesus has just said, “Be ye therefore perfect.” That’s chapter 5, verse 48. Now He asks why we do good. Let’s read Matthew 6, verses 1 to 4. Listen for the receipt: “They have their reward.” The applause is the whole payment.

    💬 Ask: Why can being noticed become the whole reward? Follow-up: When is it hard for you to do good with no one watching?

  2. 🚪 Shut the door and pray

    Now verses 5 to 8. Some prayed on street corners to be seen. Jesus sends us into a closet, with the door shut. Then He adds a relief: “your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

    💬 Ask: If He already knows, why do you think He still wants us to ask? Follow-up: What makes a private prayer feel real to you?

  3. 💎 Where your treasure is

    In verses 9 to 15, Jesus gives a pattern for prayer. Then, in verses 16 to 18, the same test for fasting. Wash your face, so only your Father knows. Now read verses 19 to 21. Notice the direction. The heart follows the treasure.

    💬 Ask: Think about how you spend your time and money. Where is your treasure right now? Follow-up: What small deposit in heaven could you make this week?

  4. 🌸 Consider the lilies

    In verses 22 to 24, a single eye fills the body with light. And no one can serve two masters. Now read verses 25 to 29. The footnote says “take no thought” means don’t be anxious. Picture Solomon in all his glory, outdressed by a wildflower.

    💬 Ask: Think of a bird, a paycheck or a neighbor. When has an ordinary thing reminded you that Heavenly Father takes care of you?

  5. 🌅 Sufficient unto the day

    Now verses 30 to 34. Jesus doesn’t scold the worried. He reminds them who is watching: “your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” Then He hands us one day at a time.

    💬 Ask: What helps you live one day at a time without ignoring tomorrow?

Key verse

Matthew 6:33 ↗
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
In plain words: Put God’s kingdom and His ways at the top of the list, and trust Him with the rest. He already knows what we need, and He has promised to add it as we build up His kingdom first.

More verses

Matthew 6:6 ↗
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
In plain words: The most important prayers happen with no audience at all. The Father who sees in private is the one who rewards.
Matthew 6:21 ↗
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
In plain words: Our hearts follow whatever we invest in, so we get to choose where our hearts will end up.
Matthew 7:3 ↗
“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?”
In plain words: We notice a speck of sawdust in someone else while missing the timber in our own eye. Start with ourselves.
Matthew 7:24 ↗
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:”
In plain words: Hearing Jesus isn’t enough; doing what He says is what makes a life storm-proof.

From general conference

“It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children.”

— President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” April 2012

Share in the bonus discussion The Beam in My Own Eye, after reading Matthew 7:3–5.

Read the talk ↗

Songs

  • Did You Think to Pray? Hymns, no. 140

    A hymn about private, daily prayer, the closet Jesus describes in Matthew 6:6. Find it ↗

  • How Firm a Foundation Hymns, no. 85

    A strong closing hymn about building on the Lord, the rock of Matthew 7:24–25. Find it ↗

This week’s invitation

In Secret

This week, do one good thing that only your Father in Heaven will ever know about. It could be a quiet gift, unannounced service or a private prayer for someone who hurt you. When worry wakes you up, answer it with Matthew 6:33. Take one step to build up His kingdom before you tackle the rest.

Take it home

In Sunday School we read Matthew 6. Jesus taught that our Father “seeth in secret” and cares most about why we do good. In Matthew 6:33 He taught us to seek His kingdom first instead of worrying about tomorrow. At dinner, have everyone name one worry. Then read Matthew 6:31–33 together. Talk about how Heavenly Father has taken care of your family.

📝 After class

What worked? Who needs a check-in this week? Jot it here on a printed copy, or in the app’s private class notes.

Got extra time?

🙏 The Pattern of the Lord’s Prayer · 5 min

  1. Read Matthew 6:9–13. Then read 3 Nephi 13:9–13, the same prayer from the risen Savior at Bountiful.
  2. Have the class spot lines that show up in one version but not the other.
  3. Share JST Matthew 6:14, the Joseph Smith Translation of verse 13: “And suffer us not to be led into temptation.”
  4. Ask, “This is a pattern, not a script. What does it teach about what to put first in our own prayers?”

👁️ A Single Eye · 4 min

  1. Read Matthew 6:22–24. The footnote says “single” means healthy, sincere and without guile.
  2. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. An eye single to God’s glory fills the whole body with light.
  3. Ask, “What competes for our eye?” Follow-up: “What helps you keep your focus single in a distracted week?”

🍇 By Their Fruits · 4 min

  1. Sum up Matthew 7:15–20. False prophets are known by their fruits. Then read Matthew 7:21–23.
  2. Point out that Jesus applies the fruit test to His own followers too. Saying “Lord, Lord” isn’t the same as doing the Father’s will.
  3. Share JST Matthew 7:33, the Joseph Smith Translation of verse 23: “Ye never knew me.”
  4. Ask, “What’s the difference between doing things for the Lord and knowing Him?”

🔑 Ask, Seek, Knock · 4 min

  1. Read Matthew 7:7–11. Then read Doctrine and Covenants 88:63, where the Lord repeats the promise in our day.
  2. Point out that ask, seek and knock are three different verbs. Each one comes with a promise.
  3. Ask, “Which one are you doing right now?” Then read verse 11, “how much more.” Ask, “When has Heavenly Father given you better than you asked?”

Sources

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version, the Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tap or click a reference to open it in Gospel Library. Start with the official Come, Follow Me manual; these ideas are here to help it come alive.

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