Mission Briefing
Secret Giving Is the Best Kind!
Have you ever seen someone do something kind and then immediately tell everyone about it? Jesus had something to say about that! Some people in His day would actually blow a trumpet when they were giving money away – just so everyone would notice. Jesus flipped that idea completely upside down and taught His followers the power of secret generosity. This mission explores Matthew 6:2-4.
What Does Matthew 6:2-4 Mean?
Jesus was teaching the crowd in the Sermon on the Mount. He warned against being like the “hypocrites” – people who do good things just to look good in front of others. Their reward is the praise they get from people, and that’s all they’ll get! But when we give secretly – without showing off – God sees it. And God’s reward is far better than any applause from people. Secret giving keeps our hearts pure and our motives right.
Hero Challenge
This week, do one secret act of giving or kindness for someone and tell absolutely no one that it was you. You could leave an encouraging note anonymously, do a chore without being asked, or give something away without anyone knowing. Then remember: God saw it, and that’s the reward that matters!
Did You Know?
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is the longest teaching of Jesus recorded in the Bible. In it, Jesus covered topics like anger, marriage, prayer, fasting, worry, and judging others. Matthew 6:2-4 is part of a section where Jesus talks about three faith practices: giving, praying, and fasting – and He says all three should be done quietly before God, not loudly before people.
Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question
Jesus says we should give quietly, without showing off. Can you do something kind for someone today and keep it a secret?
Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question
Why do you think Jesus cares about why we give and not just whether we give? What’s the difference between giving to look good and giving because you really care?
Ages 10-13: Champion Question
Jesus says people who give for applause “have received their reward” – meaning people’s praise is all they get. What do you think God’s reward looks like for those who give in secret? Why might that reward be better?
♥ Mission Prayer
Jesus, help me to give without wanting others to notice. Teach me to find joy in secret generosity, knowing that You see everything and Your reward is greater than any praise from people. Amen.
