[CYM] 11.0 Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and Abide in Me

Yeshua consistently commanded His followers to prioritize God above all else, urging them to seek God’s kingdom first and remain closely connected to Him through faithful, obedient relationship.

In the book of Matthew, Yeshua gives a direct command: seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). This comes within the Sermon on the Mount, where Yeshua instructs His disciples not to worry about material needs, but to trust God’s provision while pursuing His will above all.

The book of Luke echoes this message, emphasizing detachment from worldly security. Yeshua says,

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Luke 12:29–31)

He warns against greed and misplaced priorities, teaching through parables like the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13–21), showing that life’s true purpose is found in God, not possessions.

In the book of Mark it is recorded that Yeshua teaches that love for God must be complete, and says: thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment (Mark 12:30). Seeking God first means giving Him undivided devotion and allegiance.

The book of John emphasizes the inner life of remaining or “abiding” in Messiah. Yeshua commands, abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing (John 15:4–5). Abiding involves ongoing dependence, love, and obedience to Yeshua. It is the way to bear spiritual fruit and experience life with God.

Across the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Yeshua commands wholehearted pursuit of God—seeking His kingdom, trusting His care, and staying spiritually connected through abiding love and obedience.