As the previous chapter taught us, our good deeds have no value in God's eyes if our hearts are evil. It is for this very reason that Jesus now adresses our pride. This pride often hides behind our religious practices, such as giving, prayer, and fasting. Although good in themselves, they are often done to win the admiration or respect of others. However, when done in that way, these practices lose all value in God’s eyes (6:1-2,5,16). What are we really looking for when we practise them?
Throughout this chapter, the Messiah presents God as our heavenly Father. So, we are not mere slaves to God. We can have a personal and living relationship with him! And when a child knows this perfect Father and obeys him, it is not out of pride or fear, but because he loves him.
Translated and adapted from the commentary of the book
L'Injil de Jésus le Messie, Excelsis, 2021