As Jesus teaches His disciples how to put His righteousness into practice, He warns them against doing it only for an outward show. They can have that reward, if they want, but then that temporal reward will be all they receive. Jesus expects that His disciples will practice their righteousness by giving to those in need. Such giving is not a matter of publicity, but a matter of showing mercy to the neighbor as God has first shown mercy to us.

Rev. Andy Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 6:1-4.

To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethany-lcms.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org