“Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long” (Matthew 23:5).
Many religious leaders in Jesus’ day practiced a religion that focused more on external observances than on the heart. Jesus pointed out that much of what they did was designed to be noticed by people. Jesus wasn’t warning against the wearing of phylacteries by devout Jews or the wearing of prayer shawls. The Old Testament encouraged both of these practices. He was addressing motives. They were doing these things “for people to see.”
Jesus used the same word Greek word in Matthew 6:1. “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” A form of the Greek word translated “see” shows up in English as the noun “theater.” It shows that religion can often be used as a display to win the praise of others. To a person who is disposed to do good from the right motive, it matters little whether the good is done in public or in private.
The actions of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day revealed an inner flaw. “They loved human praise more than praise from God”(John 12:3). Christians don’t do good to win the praise of others. We do good works so that God may be glorified. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
