The Life and Ministry of Jesus
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:1–2
In normal, everyday conversation most of us have learned to use absolute words such as always and every sparingly. We must be careful not to absolutize them if they are not absolute. But Jesus’ words here are absolute. Jesus is saying, “Anyone who does a good deed so as to be seen and appreciated by others will lose his or her reward, no matter how ‘good’ and beneficial the deed is. Absolutely no exceptions!”
It is possible for a believer to take a leper’s ulcerated limb in his hands and caress it and gently speak words of comfort and have no reward from God. It is possible to pray for your enemies and have no reward. It is possible to preach like an angel and have no reward. Why? Because it is possible to do all these things for the recognition of men and not of God. 1
Personal Encouragement
Do you serve God because you “Got To” or because you “Get To?” Do you serve from the fullness of His love or from guilt or the desire to feel accepted by others?
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Hebrews 2:1
It is a privilege to serve a King who died for me and now lives for me.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for purifying my motivation behind my action.
1. Hughes, R. K. (2001). The sermon on the mount: the message of the kingdom. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
