Matthew 6:5

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”

Context:Matthew 6:5 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus delivers teachings to His disciples and the crowd gathered around Him. In this particular verse, Jesus addresses the topic of prayer and warns against praying with hypocritical motives.

Prayer and Hypocrisy:Jesus begins by stating, “And when thou prayest…” This indicates that prayer is expected and encouraged among believers. However, He emphasizes the importance of genuine prayer, contrasting it with the behavior of hypocrites. Hypocrites in this context refer to individuals who pretend to be devout and holy but do so for the purpose of gaining recognition and praise from others.

Public Displays of Prayer:Jesus highlights the hypocrites’ practice of praying publicly, specifically in the synagogues and on street corners. Their motivation is to be seen by others, seeking human applause and admiration for their piety. The synagogues and street corners were public places where people would gather, making it easier for these individuals to gain attention.

True Motives of Prayer:Jesus reveals the heart behind genuine prayer. He discourages performing religious acts for the sake of outward appearance or personal recognition. Instead, He urges His followers to approach prayer with sincerity, humility, and a desire to communicate with God.

The Reward of Hypocritical Prayer:Jesus concludes by stating, “Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” Here, Jesus emphasizes that the recognition and praise received by hypocrites from people are their only rewards. Their prayers lack true spiritual value because their intentions are not aligned with seeking God’s presence or desiring a genuine relationship with Him.

• Private Prayer:Jesus encourages His disciples to engage in private prayer, emphasizing its importance. In the subsequent verses (Matthew 6:6-8), He instructs them to go into their rooms, shut the door, and pray to the Father who sees in secret. Private prayer allows for intimacy, authenticity, and a focus on personal communion with God.
• Sincere Motives:Jesus stresses the significance of sincere motives in prayer. True prayer is not about impressing others or seeking their approval but about connecting with God and aligning our hearts with His will.
• Avoiding Hypocrisy:Believers should be cautious not to fall into the trap of hypocrisy, performing religious acts merely for public recognition. Genuine faith involves consistent alignment between one’s actions, attitudes, and personal relationship with God.
• Internal Rewards:Jesus contrasts the temporary and superficial rewards received through public recognition with the eternal rewards that come from an authentic relationship with God. The latter brings spiritual growth, peace, and a sense of God’s presence in one’s life.