We may not pray loudly in public places to attract attention, but the temptation to seek affirmation from others is still very real for most of us. Something in us longs to be seen and known—as we truly are, in all our uniqueness. In this passage, Jesus is challenging the hypocrisy of those religious leaders whose spiritual lives were led astray by their desire for public approval. His conclusive statement, ‘they have received their reward,’ is sobering.

I wonder how often we shape ourselves—not to be pleasing to God—but to gain validation from others. How much does this obscure who we truly are? Does it hide the face of Christ present within each of us? I wonder how God’s longing for us—to know us and to love us—is hindered when we choose the easier path of seeking human approval over divine love.

Jesus reveals a God who has made himself readily available to us in his life, death, and resurrection. How deeply he longs for us to draw near to him with our hearts—to enter the secret place, the silence of his love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). It is when we abandon ourselves to him that he rewards us with himself and entrusts us with his immense favour in our lives.

By Caleb Bowles