Matthew: Jesus, the Rewarder

Matthew 6:1-18

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Do you have a Muslim friend or co-worker? Have you asked them about Ramadan and why they fast? If so, what did they say? What do you think motivates Muslims to these religious duties?

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Matthew 6:1

‍[1] Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

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How many times does the word “reward” appear in the passage?

How would you describe man’s reward?

How would you describe the Father’s reward?

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Matthew 6:2-4 (Godly Giving)

[2] “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. [3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

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In your own words, what is the difference between worldly, hypocritical giving and the kind of godly giving that pleases the Father?

How might our community group engage in godly giving? What are needs we might meet, and how could we meet those needs anonymously?

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Matthew 6:16-18 (Godly Fasting)

[16] “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. [17] But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, [18] that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

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Do you think Christians should fast in modern times? Why or why not?

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Matthew 6:5-8 (Ungodly Praying)

[5] “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. [6] But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

[7]And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. [8] Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

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What are the wrong ways to pray that Jesus identifies?

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Matthew 6:9-13 (Godly Praying)

‍“Our Father in heaven”

“Hallowed be your name”

“Your kingdom come”

“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”

“Give us this day our daily bread,”

“And forgive us our debts,”

“As we also have forgiven our debtors”

“And lead us not into temptation”

“But deliver us from evil”