Not many people realise that Jesus talks about the difference between God’s absolute support and man’s approval in Matthew 9:19-20. In the context of these verses, Jesus encourages us to do good things, “the will of My Father,” in secret with the confident knowledge that God will reward us openly. This assertive trust in Him will ensure that we grow and flourish like trees that bear fruit and do not wither, unlike seasonal plants that flourish quickly but fade and disappear as soon as they appear.