Matthew 6:16
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
Context:Before diving into the specific verse, it’s essential to understand the context of the passage. In Matthew 6, Jesus is teaching His disciples about various spiritual practices, including giving to the needy, praying, and fasting. In verse 16, He specifically addresses fasting.
Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline:Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food or certain types of food for a specific period, usually for spiritual purposes. In many religious traditions, including Judaism and Christianity, fasting is considered a spiritual discipline that helps believers draw closer to God, seek His guidance, express repentance, or seek His intervention in specific situations.
Hypocrisy and its Consequences:In Matthew 6:16, Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of those who fast with the sole intention of being seen by others. He describes them as “hypocrites” who put on a show of sadness or distress, intentionally disfiguring their faces to make their fasting obvious to people around them. Jesus highlights that their motive is to gain recognition and praise from others rather than sincerely seeking God.
The Reward of Hypocritical Fasting:Jesus emphasizes that the hypocrites who fast to be seen by others have already received their reward. In other words, the recognition and admiration they receive from people are the only rewards they will obtain. Jesus implies that the approval of people should not be the primary motivation for fasting, as it undermines the true purpose of seeking God.
True Fasting:Jesus goes on to instruct His disciples about the proper way to fast in the following verses (Matthew 6:17-18). He encourages them to fast in secret, not drawing attention to themselves but focusing on their relationship with God. He assures them that their Heavenly Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward them openly.
Internal Motivation and Sincerity:The underlying message in this verse is the importance of sincerity and internal motivation in our spiritual practices. Jesus desires His disciples to engage in fasting with the right heart attitude, seeking God’s presence, guidance, and will above seeking the approval of others. True fasting is about developing a deeper connection with God and aligning our hearts with His purposes.
Application to Our Lives:This verse challenges us to examine our motives when it comes to fasting or any other spiritual practice. It reminds us that we should not engage in religious acts to impress or gain the approval of others but rather to seek an authentic relationship with God. Our focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking the recognition of people.
In conclusion, Matthew 6:16 teaches us about the importance of sincerity and internal motivation when engaging in spiritual practices, particularly fasting. It warns against the trap of hypocrisy and seeking the approval of others. Jesus encourages His disciples to seek God’s reward, which comes from a genuine and humble heart, rather than seeking the fleeting rewards of human recognition.
