Matthew 6:18
That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:18 (KJV)
Context
Matthew 6:18 concludes Jesus’ teaching on fasting in the Sermon on the Mount. In this passage, Jesus addresses the importance of maintaining a sincere and authentic relationship with God, rather than seeking the approval or recognition of others. He contrasts the hypocritical acts of the scribes and Pharisees, who disfigured their faces to appear to men to fast, with the authentic devotion that comes from a genuine relationship with God.
Key Themes:
Fasting in secret: Jesus encourages His disciples to maintain a genuine and private approach to fasting. The focus should not be on drawing attention to oneself, but on seeking God’s approval and intimacy in private. This emphasizes the importance of humility and sincerity in our spiritual disciplines.
Recognition from the Father: Jesus highlights the fact that even though our fasting should be done in secret, God the Father sees everything we do. He acknowledges our devotion and commitment to seeking Him genuinely. When we fast with the right motives, God takes notice, and He promises to reward us openly.
True vs. false motives: Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the importance of examining our motives in religious practices. He contrasts the hypocritical acts of the Pharisees, who performed their religious duties to be seen by others, with the authentic devotion that comes from a genuine relationship with God. Jesus encourages His disciples to prioritize their inner spiritual lives over outward displays of righteousness.
Meaning
The Greek phrase translated “in secret” appears twice in this verse, emphasizing both the hidden nature of the act and the Father’s awareness of it. The reward is promised by the Father, not by human recognition. The word “openly” indicates a future, public vindication, though the reward itself is not specified as material or temporal; it is left to the Father’s discretion, encouraging trust in God’s provision and justice.
Biblical connections
This verse is part of a broader pattern in Matthew 6 where Jesus addresses giving, prayer, and fasting, all with the principle of seeking God’s approval rather than human applause. The immediate context in Matthew 6:17 instructs anointing the head and washing the face, practical actions to avoid appearing to fast. This teaching underscores the importance of motive in spiritual disciplines, aligning with the overall Sermon on the Mount emphasis on inner righteousness over external show.
Application
Private devotion: Matthew 6:18 reminds us to prioritise our personal relationship with God. It’s essential to engage in spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, and other acts of devotion, not to impress others, but to deepen our connection with God in secret. This involves cultivating a heart of humility and sincerity before God.
God’s approval: We are called to seek God’s approval rather than the approval of others. It’s natural to desire recognition and praise from people, but our primary focus should be on pleasing God. When we engage in acts of devotion with the right motives, we can trust that God sees and rewards us openly in His perfect timing and in ways that align with His purposes.
Inner transformation: Jesus’ teachings on fasting in Matthew 6:18 challenge us to examine our motives and intentions. Are we seeking spiritual disciplines as a means to impress others or to cultivate a deeper connection with God? Fasting and other practices should be accompanied by a genuine desire for personal transformation and a sincere pursuit of God’s presence.
Reflection
Matthew 6:18 reminds us that our spiritual practices, including fasting, should be done with a sincere heart, seeking the approval of God rather than the recognition of people. God values our private devotion and promises to reward us openly when we seek Him with authenticity and humility. Let us cultivate a genuine and intimate relationship with God, prioritising our inner spiritual lives and seeking His approval above all else.
