The tiller of the soil plants and harvests that the body may be fed; the garment worker toils that it may be clothed; the laborer builds houses to protect it from the elements; and millions give time, thought, and effort to the preparation of countless contrivances catering to its so-called needs. At some point in their experience all see the hopelessness from a material standpoint, and ask themselves the why and wherefore, and cry out to be delivered.
While civilization was not as complex in Jesus' day, yet the same thought and attention were directed to the things the body seemed to need. For many years his explanation of the situation and the remedy therefor given in the sixth chapter of Matthew have been before the world, but because of the materialism and blindness of mankind the things of the body have been sought first and the kingdom of God last, notwithstanding that Jesus placed "the kingdom of God and His righteousness" before the things of the body. Jesus recognized the human need for food, clothing, and houses, but plainly said that the seeking of such things should be secondary to the kingdom of God.
To those believing that the universe is material, that man is a material being confined in a material body, —put into it by an unknown power without his consent, and dependent on material food, clothing, and housing for its maintenance and preservation, and finally taken out of it in the same mysterious manner,—and that the kingdom of God is a state beyond the grave, the mystery of human existence has seemed beyond explanation.
