The theme of the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount is stated in Matthew 5:20. “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” This statement would have sent a shockwave down the mountainside as Jesus was preaching to the multitude. The scribes and Pharisees were viewed as the most pious and devout of all the Jews. How could one possibly be more righteous than these individuals?

Although they set themselves up as the most pious and devout, the scribes and Pharisees were notorious hypocrites (Luke 12:1). They did their works to be seen and praised by men (Matt. 23:5). In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus selected three acts of religious devotion (helping others, praying, and fasting), exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees’ practice, and showed the proper way these acts are to be performed.

1. Helping Others (Matt. 6:1-4). In a society without social security and welfare, charity shown to those in need was a praiseworthy effort. The Pharisees purposely chose to perform their alms giving in locations of maximum visibility to receive praises from men. God knew their true motives. The praise of men would be all the reward they would receive. Instead, Jesus tells us to do good to others in a way that does not draw attention to ourselves.

2. Praying (vs. 5-15). As with their charitable deeds, these hypocrites were also offering longwinded prayers in public to be admired and praised by men. There is nothing wrong with a man leading a prayer in public, when the occasion calls for it, but such should never be done as a performance to impress others. Those who are righteous will use prayer as an opportunity to commune with God, not to perform for men.

3. Fasting (vs. 16-18). Fasting was a common practice among many of the Jews. This voluntary abstinence from food was done for various reasons. Historians tell us that the Pharisees fasted twice a week. When they did so, they would make themselves look like they were starving so they could be praised and admired by men. Jesus tells us to dress and act normally during such a time. God will know what we have done and will reward as He sees fit.

The practice of our religion is important. Not only must we be doing the right things in the right way, but we must also be doing them for the right reason. “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them” (Matt. 6:1, NASU). The hypocrite has no place in the Lord’s kingdom. Our service to God does not need to be publicized. Our only concern should be to glorify God who knows our hearts.