Day Two Matthew 6:2
“When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.” – Matthew 6:2 (NLT)
Learn From the Word
Notice Jesus says, “When you give…” and not “if.” As He'll do with each of the three disciplines He addresses in chapter six, He assumes His listeners are practicing all of them. The idea of discipline and rules may be shunned in our society, but Jesus doesn’t shy away from them. Remember He’s showing us what it looks like to live as children in the Kingdom of God, not how to become one of His children. Jesus is God in the flesh, yet He leveled pretty harsh criticism at hypocritical Pharisees (see Him address them more fully in chapter 23). They had a responsibility to lead people to God, and instead they only led them down the path of the enemy.
Put It Into Practice
Is giving to people in need a discipline you practice? Spend some time right now asking God how He might be calling you to serve the poor and those in need in a way that brings Him glory. You can check out our outreach partners if you’re looking for ways to step out in obedience in this area. Get a bigger picture of God’s heart for the poor, and ask Him to break your heart for the things that break His.
For Families with Kids at Home
Even though social media didn’t exist in Jesus' day, the temptation was still the same – the temptation of maintaining our image. In the age of social media, it’s easy to “toot your own horn” with your achievements, just like the pharisees and teachers of the law did. Whether your kids are old enough to use social media or not, they’ve likely encountered this same pressure to make themselves look good.
Ask your kids, “What are some things people do to make themselves look good? What are some ways people ‘toot their own horn'?” Take the opportunity to point out that Jesus would often do kind things for people and then tell them not to tell anyone. Ask your kids, “How can we be like Jesus – helpful but humble?”