How to Use This Commentary
Matthew 6:1–4 marks a major shift in Jesus’ teaching. After showing how kingdom people relate to others in Matthew 5, Jesus now teaches how we relate to the Father.
Read it in two movements: (1) the danger of practicing righteousness for people, and (2) the call to practice righteousness for God alone.
Key: God is not only concerned with what you do—but why you do it.
You can do the right thing… for the wrong reason.
You can give… serve… help… sacrifice…
👉 And still miss the heart of it.
That’s what Jesus exposes here.
Not bad behavior—
but misdirected righteousness.
👉 Doing good… to be seen.
And Jesus says:
👉 “That’s not for God—that’s for you.”
A Quick Look: Matthew 6:1–4
Big idea: True righteousness is done for God, not for the approval of others.
Why this matters: It is possible to do the right things while having the wrong motivation.
Key truth: God rewards what is done in secret, not what is done for show.
Bottom line: The value of your obedience is determined by the motive of your heart.
A Simple Explanation (Matthew 6:1–4)
“Beware of practicing your righteousness…” (v.1)
Jesus gives a warning.
Meaning: Be careful how and why you do good.
Application: Not all “good deeds” please God.
“To be noticed by them…”
This reveals the problem.
Meaning: Doing good to gain attention.
Application: Motive matters more than visibility.
“They have their reward…” (v.2)
Jesus explains the result.
Meaning: Human praise is the only reward they get.
Application: If people’s approval is your goal, that’s all you receive.
“Do not let your left hand know…” (v.3)
Jesus gives a vivid picture.
Meaning: Give without drawing attention—even to yourself.
Application: Give naturally, not performatively.
“Your Father who sees in secret…” (v.4)
This shows God’s role.
Meaning: God sees what others don’t.
Application: Live for God’s reward, not people’s praise.
Bridge: Jesus shifts the focus from outward action to inward motivation.
A Deeper Dive: Motives, Hypocrisy, and True Reward
1) A Shift in the Sermon
Matthew 5 focused on inner righteousness—anger, lust, love, and integrity.
Matthew 6 now focuses on outward religious practice—giving, prayer, and fasting.
👉 The question is no longer just “What do you do?” 👉 But “Why do you do it?”
2) The Danger: Theatrical Righteousness
The phrase “to be noticed” comes from a word related to theater.
👉 It describes performing for an audience.
Insight: Hypocrisy is not just doing wrong—it is performing righteousness for recognition.
3) What Is a Hypocrite?
The word originally referred to an actor wearing a mask.
👉 Someone pretending to be what they are not.
In this context:
- They give—but for themselves
- They serve—but for recognition
- They act spiritual—but love attention
4) The Reward Principle
Jesus makes a powerful statement:
👉 “They have their reward in full.”
This was a commercial term meaning:
👉 Paid in full. Nothing more owed.
Insight: If you live for human praise, you forfeit divine reward.
5) Giving Is Expected—but Motive Matters
Jesus says “when you give,” not “if you give.”
👉 Giving is assumed for kingdom people.
But:
👉 Right action + wrong motive = rejected by God
6) “Do Not Sound a Trumpet”
This is likely a figurative way of describing attention-seeking generosity.
👉 Giving in a way that draws attention to yourself.
Modern forms:
- Public recognition
- Subtle self-promotion
- Wanting others to notice generosity
7) “Left Hand / Right Hand”
This expression emphasizes:
- Spontaneity
- Sincerity
- Lack of self-focus
👉 Giving should not be calculated for recognition—even internally.
8) Secret vs Public (Matthew 5:16 Tension)
This passage does not contradict Matthew 5:16.
The difference is:
- Matthew 5:16 → Let your light shine for God’s glory
- Matthew 6:1 → Don’t shine your light for your own glory
👉 Same action—different motive.
9) The Father Who Sees
Jesus emphasizes:
👉 “Your Father who sees in secret”
This highlights:
- God’s awareness of motives
- God’s concern for the heart
- God’s promise of reward
👉 Nothing done for God is ever missed.
10) The Gospel Connection
This passage exposes something deep:
👉 We all want to be seen, valued, and praised.
That desire can turn even good deeds into self-centered acts.
But in Christ:
- You are already fully seen
- You are already fully known
- You are already fully accepted
👉 You don’t need to perform for approval.
Jesus lived this perfectly:
👉 He served without seeking recognition 👉 He obeyed for the Father’s glory
And through Him:
👉 Your motives are forgiven 👉 Your heart is transformed 👉 Your obedience becomes genuine
- Matthew 6 shifts from actions to motives
- Hypocrisy is performing righteousness for people
- God evaluates not just what we do, but why
- Human praise replaces divine reward
- True giving is quiet, sincere, and God-focused
- The gospel frees us from needing approval
Bottom Line (Matthew 6:1–4)
True righteousness is not about being seen by others—it is about being known by the Father and living for His approval alone.
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