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how does this idea of committing works relate to jesus' teachings on prayer and action?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Matthew 6:5-6

““When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you pray, enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.””

This passage is from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, a collection of his teachings on discipleship and the nature of God's kingdom. Here, Jesus addresses the practice of prayer, contrasting outward displays of religiosity with sincere, private devotion.

What does this passage reveal about the audience for our actions, both public and private?

Then — the setting

Jesus delivered these teachings in the 1st century CE, likely in Galilee, to his disciples and a broader Jewish audience. His critique of 'hypocrites' was aimed at certain religious leaders or individuals who performed religious duties like prayer and almsgiving primarily for social recognition. The 'synagogues' and 'street corners' were public spaces where such displays would be visible, contrasting with the 'inner chamber' or private room. This teaching does not forbid public prayer but challenges the motivation behind it, suggesting a deep-seated spiritual concern about sincerity over performance.

Across the Testaments

This passage, from the New Testament, directly addresses how prayer and action should be carried out. The Old Testament often features public, communal prayer (e.g., in the Temple or during festivals) and calls for righteous acts of justice and mercy (e.g., Micah 6:8). While valuing communal worship, Old Testament prophets also stressed internal heart-commitment over mere external ritual (e.g., Isaiah 1:11-17, Psalm 51:16-17). Jesus here intensifies this call for inner sincerity, extending it to private devotion as a core aspect of relationship with God, without negating the value of public expressions when rightly motivated.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Matthew 6:1-4
This immediately preceding passage speaks about giving to the needy, urging secrecy to ensure pure motivation.
Luke 18:9-14
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector further illustrates the contrast between outward piety and humble sincerity in prayer.
James 2:14-26
This passage emphasizes that faith, if it doesn't result in 'works' (action), is dead, linking internal conviction with external deeds.

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