Pleasing God, Matthew 6:1-8 (ESV)
1 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV)
Compare with:
"that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:18
How to Pray
5 "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8 (ESV)
The Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, encapsulates the essence of Christ's teaching to His followers. One prominent theme present in this sermon is the motivation behind righteous acts and prayer. In Matthew 6:1-8, Jesus provides a profound teaching on the importance of sincerity in practicing righteousness, almsgiving, and prayer.
The Danger of Ostentatious Righteousness
The opening verse of Matthew 6 warns against performing righteous acts for the purpose of being seen by others. The Greek word translated as "righteousness" is δικαιοσύνη "dikaiosynē, "which can refer to both acts of charity and general righteous behavior. The primary concern here is not the act itself but the motive behind it. Jesus warns that those who practice righteousness to gain human admiration will "have no reward" from the Father in heaven.
This sentiment is echoed in verses 2-4, where Jesus contrasts the behavior of "hypocrites" with the appropriate way of giving to the needy. The term "hypocrites" is derived from the Greek word ὑποκριταί "hypokritai," which originally referred to stage actors. It signifies individuals who put on a performance, feigning righteousness for public acclaim.
The Consistency in Christ's Message: Almsgiving, Fasting, and Prayer
When comparing Jesus' teaching on almsgiving in verses 2-4 with His message on fasting in verse 18, a consistent message emerges. Both passages emphasize the importance of secrecy in righteous acts. Just as almsgiving should be done in secret, fasting should be a private affair between the individual and God. The assurance that the "Father who sees in secret will reward you" is a recurring theme, underscoring God's omniscience and the value He places on genuine acts of devotion.
The verses on prayer (5-8) further this theme. Jesus cautions against emulating the hypocrites who pray publicly for admiration5. The original Koine Greek text uses the verb φιλέω "phileō" for "love," indicating a strong affection or fondness. It implies that the hypocrites have a deep-rooted desire for public recognition. In contrast, sincere prayer is described as a private conversation with the Father, devoid of "empty phrases" or verbosity. Jesus' assertion that the Father already knows our needs before we ask underscores the futility of verbose prayers intended for public show.
Insights from the Church Fathers
Early Church Fathers also expounded on these themes. John Chrysostom, in his "Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew," observed that public acts of piety, when done for show, not only fail to bring heavenly rewards but also degrade the soul, making it a slave to human praise. Augustine, in his commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, highlighted the danger of seeking human praise, noting that it diverts the soul's focus from God and fosters a love for temporal accolades.
Matthew 6:1-8 offers a profound reflection on the motives behind righteous acts and prayer. Jesus' teaching emphasizes the primacy of pleasing God over seeking human validation. By comparing almsgiving, fasting, and prayer, a consistent message emerges: genuine acts of devotion are those done in secret, with a sincere heart directed towards God. The teachings of early Church Fathers further affirm this message, urging believers to prioritize divine approval over temporal praise.
Often, the desire for acknowledgment and esteem from our peers can be overwhelming. Regardless of our talents, be it in preaching, teaching, writing, singing, evangelism, or leadership, it is imperative to maintain a divine perspective and intention in all our endeavors. During His time on earth, Jesus adeptly avoided becoming ensnared by human accolades. He attributed all honor to His Father, understanding that His true recompense lay beyond the Crucifixion.
Should we succumb to the lure of seeking validation or commendation from others, we risk forgoing our heavenly rewards. Is the fleeting admiration of this world worth the sacrifice of eternal commendation from God?
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