Matthew 6:5

"so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

Key Reflection

In Matthew 6:5, Jesus instructs his followers to perform acts of mercy discreetly so that their good deeds remain hidden from public view. This advice underscores the importance of sincere piety over mere showmanship; for the original audience, who were familiar with the cultural norms of first-century Judaism where religious practices often included public displays, this teaching would have been particularly poignant. Jesus emphasizes that while human recognition is fleeting and often superficial, God, who sees everything in secret, will openly reward genuine devotion and compassion.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 5. And when thou prayest, etc. Hypocrites manifested the same spirit about prayer as alms-giving: it was done in public places. The word synagogues, here, clearly means not the place of worship of that name, but places where many were accustomed to assemble-- near the markets, or courts, where they could be seen of many. Our Lord evidently could not mean to condemn prayers in the synagogues. It might be said that he condemned ostentatious prayer there, while they neglected secret prayer; but this does not appear to be his design. The Jews were much in the habit of praying in public places. At certain times of the day they always offered their prayers.

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