What do these verses mean for us today?
Good question.
It’s really not so complicated. These verses warn us against hypocrisy and showing off our good works.
This passage cautions us against making the same mistakes that people made then: giving & doing other good works just for the sake of others acknowledging us. If we do, that will be the end of our reward.
Jesus would tell us that we should give without boasting, without selfish motivations, and quietly. There’s no reason for everyone to know whenever you give a couple bucks or a sandwich to a homeless person. You don’t need to loudly declare that you are giving in the offering at church by waving your check around.
God sees the heart. If we are giving with the good motivation to serve him, he will know. Then the reward will be given to us in heaven.
Also, if you keep boasting, you might make Jesus sad.
(Special gift for all my Supernatural fans in the classroom.)