Matthew 6:2

Wednesday, 25 December 2024

 

Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:2

 

“Therefore, when you do compassionateness, you trumpet not before you just as the hypocrites – they do – in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Amen! I say to you, they obtained their reward” (CG).

 

The previous verse began Chapter 6. Jesus said to not do one’s deeds of charity (compassionateness) before men in order to be seen. If that is the case, God will give no reward. Jesus now continues with, “Therefore, when you do compassionateness, you trumpet not before you.”

 

He uses the verb salpizó, literally, to sound a trumpet. Because the word trumpet can be used as either a noun or a verb, simply saying trumpet in the verbal position gets the point across. In the New Testament, the idea of sounding a trumpet is used as a metaphor at times for other things, such as the announcement of divine actions.

 

In this case, Jesus is saying, “Don’t draw attention to yourself,” something that sounding a trumpet will naturally do. He next adds, “just as the hypocrites – they do.”

 

Here is another new word, hupokrités. One can see the etymological root of our modern word. The word comes from hypo, under, and krino, to judge. Thus, it signifies “a judging under.” This is what someone with a mask on will do. As such, it is a two-faced person. He says one thing but then does another.

 

In this case, his supposed action is helping another, but the true intent is to look good in front of others. He does this by doing his charitable deeds “in the synagogues and in the streets.”

 

These are both places where people are gathered. Thus, they are the perfect places for hypocrites to supposedly do kindnesses to others. The person will be seen and will receive all kinds of accolades for his generosity or care of others. But this is exactly what he wanted in the first place. Such people do this “that they may have glory from men.”

 

Jesus, knowing the human heart, explains why such a person did something nice for another or toward God in the first place. It wasn’t because he cared at all about the recipient. Rather, he cares about himself, hoping to receive accolades or other benefits from those around him. In such a situation, Jesus exclaims, “Amen! I say to you, they obtained their reward.”

 

Such a person was looking for worldly acclaim, not care of or toward the recipient. If worldly acclaim is what he wanted, in doing his deeds in the open, he has received the reward he was looking for. Such a person will get no approval from the Lord. Why should he?

 

And yet, this is usually on the minds of such people. They give in hopes of immediate approval, but then they assume that because those who see are pleased. then God must also be pleased. This is as common as peanuts in a peanut butter processing plant. We equate our human thoughts about things to our thoughts about God, assuming He is just like us.

 

Life application: One of the common things seen in charitable donors is a plaque saying who gave money for a particular cause. Quite often it will include the sum given. People will often give specifically for this type of notability.

 

This is also the idea behind large, notable grave markers. Many people have a need to be noticed by others in both life and death. They want to be remembered for the lives they live (or lived). But if one’s life is not lived for the Lord, it is a life truly wasted. No matter how long a person is remembered in this world, the Bible tells us that this world will come to an end.

 

For those who miss out on the heavenly highway, there is an eternity ahead that will be spent apart from the good thing God is going to do for His people. What a sad trade to make! Who cares if you are appreciated by others for the good things you do in this life? What really matters is if God has accepted you for the next life. And that is only going to happen if you place your trust in Jesus Christ.

 

Believe the gospel today. Don’t worry about trumpeting your deeds now, through faith in Jesus, God will trumpet you to glory –

 

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

 

Lord God, may our lives be lived out in a manner that will bring You glory and honor. Help us to be people who live out Your will now, knowing that the true rewards are ahead. Until that day, may we quietly do our good deeds without trumpeting what we are doing. You see. That is what matters. Amen.