In some biblical (Proverbs 19:17; Daniel 4:24; Tobit 4:7-11) and Mesopotamian texts (The Dialogue of Pessimism; Counsels of Wisdom) there is a notion that indirect reciprocity (altruism/almsgiving) is a way of securing divine favour that is just as acceptable and pleasing to the deity as direct reciprocity (sacrifice/gifts to the gods). These texts seem to be forerunners of the concept of a reward in heaven in exchange for alms, which is expressed in Matthew 6:1-4. In this presentation, I trace this pattern of indirect reciprocity from Proverbs to the Sermon in Matthew and I use insights from evolutionary studies, such as evolutionary biology, evolutionary psychology and evolutionary theory of religion, to discuss the relationship between indirect reciprocity, such as charity and alms-giving (indirect reciprocity) and the evolution of religious systems featuring ‘Big Gods’, that is gods that are perceived to be morally interested in their worshippers’ behavior. These insights help us to see that the demand for charity and altruistic behavior may not simply be a value in religious systems such as Christianity and Judaism, but that it most likely is a time-tested and superior evolutionary strategy that helps cooperating groups to get ahead.