How does Matthew 23:5 relate to Matthew 6:1 about righteous acts?

Setting the Context

• In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses His followers on the hillside, warning them not to display righteousness for applause.

• In Matthew 23, Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisees in the temple courts, exposing their showy religion.

• Though spoken in different settings, both statements target the same heart issue: seeking human admiration rather than God’s approval.

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Text of the Passages

• Matthew 23:5: “All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.”

• Matthew 6:1: “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

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Shared Themes: Performing vs. Genuine Righteousness

• Audience focus

– Both verses contrast being “seen by men” with being seen by the Father.

• Motive check

– External spirituality (phylacteries, tassels, public almsgiving) vs. internal devotion.

• Divine evaluation

– God looks at motives (1 Samuel 16:7).

– “All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives” (Proverbs 16:2).

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Dangers of Public Piety

• It feeds pride and self-exaltation (Matthew 23:12).

• It steals honor that belongs to God alone (Isaiah 42:8).

• It forfeits eternal reward—“you will have no reward from your Father” (Matthew 6:1).

• It leads others astray by modeling hypocrisy (Luke 12:1).

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Cultivating Secret Devotion

• Give, pray, and fast “in secret” (Matthew 6:4 - 6, 18).

• Seek the Father’s hidden reward rather than human praise (Colossians 3:23-24).

• Treasure God’s approval above social recognition (John 12:43).

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Practical Takeaways

• Examine every act of service: “Am I doing this for applause or for God?”

• Choose anonymity when possible—give without your left hand knowing what the right hand does (Matthew 6:3).

• Replace visible symbols of piety with unseen obedience—humility, mercy, integrity (Micah 6:8).

• Remember that eternal reward far outweighs momentary applause (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).