Looking through Matthew 6:1-18 on Sunday, we saw how Jesus’ teaching exposes hypocritical religion that charades as righteousness and shows us what true righteousness looks like. Once again, disciples of Jesus are meant to see that true righteousness is not simply about outward actions, but what is going on in the heart. Through three examples of religious acts, Jesus addresses the root issue of the motivations behind these acts. Religious hypocrites do righteous acts not because they love God, but to seek the praise of others. Followers of Jesus are challenged to truly live righteously from the heart. As Jesus’ teachings deeply convict us of our failures and sin, let us come to the Father through Christ - to find forgiveness at the cross, to seek the Father’s will, and to receive the reward of His commendation.
