In Matthew 6, Jesus taught on various subjects bordering on people’s religious obligations. Specifically, three areas were mentioned – alms giving, prayer, and fasting. These subjects were by no means new to them. Alms giving, prayer, and fasting were already a part of Judaism. Jesus only tried to regulate the practice. These spiritual exercises are to be done without ostentation. We are to avoid the attitude of hypocrites when we give help, pray or fast. The problem with the hypocrites is that their sole motive for whatever they do is to be seen by people. They enjoy the praise of men. This is why they will go to any length to herald their good deeds before the world. Christianity, on the other hand, is far from showmanship. Those who fail to realize this will play to the gallery and miss their reward from the Heavenly Father.
Jesus would like many of our activities to be under the radar. In other words, our works should be devoid of all hype and propaganda. Jesus did not only teach this, He practiced it. Several times in the gospel accounts, He instructed people who received miraculous healing from Him to keep quiet about it. He made sure that all focus and praise was to the Father rather than Him. When our good deeds are away from public glare, the Father who sees in secret will ensure our reward goes public.