As we move from Matthew 5 to Matthew 6, Jesus transitions from a focus on inner righteousness to outward expressions of devotion. He speaks about giving, prayer, and fasting—central spiritual practices—but warns us that even good practices can be corrupted by self-centered motives. If we give, pray, or fast to gain approval, we have already received our reward in full,…

A young man with a bandaged hand once walked into a post office and asked the clerk for help. “Would you mind writing a note on this postcard for me?” he said. The clerk gladly agreed and even offered to write the message for him. After finishing, the clerk asked, “Is there anything else I can help you with?” The…

The Sermon on the Mount (18): Praying in Secret In Matthew 6, Jesus continues His teaching on righteousness—not merely as outward behavior, but as the overflow of a transformed heart. Previously, we looked at almsgiving; now we turn to prayer, and next, to fasting. These disciplines—giving, praying, and fasting—are practical expressions of an inner life oriented toward God. Though they…