Show Don't Tell: Matthew 6:1-4

Instead of saying "Jesus taught about secret giving," hear the trumpet. The religious showoffs of Jesus' day would announce their charity—literally have trumpets blown in the synagogues and streets when they gave to the poor. Everyone turns. Everyone applauds. "They have received their reward in full." That's it. Applause is their payment. But you: "When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." Picture that—your hands working independently, such secrecy that you barely notice your own generosity. "So that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." God sees the anonymous gift. God rewards the hidden generosity. The audience shifts from the watching crowd to the watching Father.