“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” (v1). Jesus taught his followers that to have a real relationship with the Father, they would need to live for His presence and approval, not the opinions of others. Instead of public displays of religious tradition, giving, praying, and fasting should be private matters of devotion to the One who matters most (v5-8). 

“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (v6). God rejoices when we make steps toward Him. As we pray “your kingdom come” (v10), He helps us become people who genuinely desire His reign in our own lives.