The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5 - 7
Chapter 6
Be careful not to do your good deeds publicly, just to be noticed by others. If you do, you won't receive any reward
from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, don't announce it with trumpets, like the hypocrites do
in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in
full. But when you give to the needy, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your
giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly.
What does this mean?
Explanation of Matthew 6:1-4
This passage is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about the proper attitude and motivation for
performing good deeds. Here's a breakdown of the biblical explanation:
- "Be careful not to do your good deeds publicly, just to be noticed by others. If you do, you won't receive any
reward from your Father in heaven."
- Explanation: Jesus warns against performing acts of righteousness with the primary intention of being
seen and praised by others. He emphasizes that the motivation behind our actions should not be to seek
human approval or recognition. If we do good deeds for the sake of being noticed, we forfeit any reward
from God, as our actions are driven by self-interest rather than genuine compassion and humility.
- "So when you give to the needy, don't announce it with trumpets, like the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on
the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full."
- Explanation: Jesus provides a specific example of giving to the needy. He criticizes those who make a
public spectacle of their generosity, seeking to draw attention to themselves and receive honor from
others. These people, whom Jesus calls hypocrites, receive their reward in the form of human praise, but
they miss out on God's reward. Their actions are not driven by love for others, but by a desire for
personal glory.
- "But when you give to the needy, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your
giving may be in secret."
- Explanation: Jesus instructs His followers to give discreetly, without seeking recognition or praise.
The phrase "don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" is a hyperbolic expression
emphasizing the need for secrecy and humility in our charitable acts. The focus should be on the act of
giving itself, not on drawing attention to the giver.
- "Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly."
- Explanation: Jesus assures that God sees and values the actions done in secret, motivated by genuine
love and humility. God, who observes our hearts and intentions, will reward such acts openly. This
reward may come in various forms, including spiritual blessings, inner peace, and eternal rewards in
heaven. The emphasis is on pleasing God rather than seeking human approval.
Summary:
In this passage, Jesus teaches about the proper motivation for performing good deeds, specifically giving to the
needy. He warns against doing good deeds for the sake of public recognition and human praise, as this undermines the
true spirit of charity and humility. Instead, Jesus calls for discreet and humble giving, emphasizing that God sees
and rewards the genuine, selfless acts done in secret. The ultimate goal is to please God and act out of sincere
love and compassion, rather than seeking personal glory.
