Carrying on from Matt. 6:1, Jesus gives three contrasts between man-centered and God-centered acts of righteousness using giving, praying, and fasting (Matt. 6:2-18, with an extended discussion on praying).

The hypocrites in Jesus’ examples are those who want to be praised or seen by others. Their motivation is selfish. They contrive to be noticed when giving to bring attention to themselves. They contrive to be seen when praying to make sure everyone is aware of their piety. They contrive to be seen when fasting to ensure everyone sees how difficult fasting is for them. Their works are done to build themselves up.

Jesus speaks firmly that people such as these have received their reward (“Truly, I say to you …”). They have received, in a sense, payment in full. God owes them nothing. When we seek the praise or admiration of others, we are at that moment receiving all the reward we will ever get – their applauses and nothing more.

Yet at the same time, even knowing that such behavior is ultimately selfish and not God-honoring, I find myself desiring to be lifted up. I sinfully want to be acclaimed for what I do. I wonder how often I have deluded myself into thinking my motivation is God-focused. How terrible it would be to find that my works of righteousness had already received their reward. I don’t want such a fleeting reward. I want to hear my Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

All of us must carefully watch over our focus – our motivation – in doing good works. “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV)