12/24/2023 0 Comments Bible study notes on matthew![]() It also involves deceiving oneself even if one deceives no one else. Hypocrisy does not just involve giving an impression that is incorrect, such as that one gives alms when he really does not. We can carry this to the extreme, of course, but Jesus’ point was that we should not draw attention to ourselves when we give. The way to avoid hypocrisy is to let no other people know when we give. The idea of not letting the left hand know what the right hand does pictures secrecy (cf. Probably Jesus referred to the blowing of trumpets in the streets that announced fasts that included alms-giving. However, Jesus mentioned the synagogues and streets, not the Temple. Alternatively, this may be a reference to the metal horn-shaped collection receptacles in the Temple that noisily announced contributions that people tossed into them. ![]() There is old evidence that during this period the Jewish priests blew trumpets in the Temple when they collected funds for some special need. Metaphorically it would mean that Jesus was using a figure of speech to picture showy giving, something like "blowing your own horn." However, His description seems to have had a custom behind it. Interpreters have understood the practice of sounding a trumpet to announce alms-giving metaphorically and literally. What Jesus said on this subject is applicable to all types of giving. Finally, He assured them that the Father who sees in secret would reward their righteous act openly.Īlms were gifts of money to the needy. Third, He taught them how to do the act for God alone, secretly (not for public applause). Then He assured them that if they disregarded His warning they would get human praise but no more. He first warned His disciples not to do the act for man’s praise. Jesus dealt with each of these aspects of worship similarly. ![]() The rabbis considered almsgiving, prayer, and fasting as the three chief acts of Jewish piety. Disciples should practice good works publicly ( Matthew 5:16), but they should not draw special attention to them. Some disciples will receive more reward from God than others. Notice again that disciples’ rewards will vary. If one does what God approves to obtain human approval, that one will not receive a reward for his good deed from God. Jesus warned His disciples about the possibility of doing good deeds for the wrong reason as He began His teaching about righteous behavior. "Righteousness" means what is in harmony with the will of God, and righteous deeds are those that are pleasing to Him. ![]()
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