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Scripture Guide

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

AIM Commentary

Ancient Lens

What can we learn from the historical context?

"Hear O Israel..."

The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) commands the Israelites to love the Lord their God with heart, soul, and might. The object of their devotion is to be to God and God alone. All good deeds done are measured by motivation. Are they done as a desire to please God with heart, soul, and might, with one’s whole being, or to please others and oneself? There are only two choices.

Jesus and the Pharisees

The Gospels play out the tension between these choices in Jesus’ interaction with the “righteous” of Israel, particularly the sect of Pharisees whose zealousness for the law was commendable…

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