“And when you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”– Matthew 6:16
Matthew 6:16 Meaning
This verse from the Gospel of Matthew teaches us a powerful lesson about fasting, one of the spiritual disciplines in Christianity. Fasting, which is voluntarily abstaining from food or sometimes drink, is seen as a way to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and strengthen our faith. However, Jesus cautions us against performing this act for the sake of appearances. He tells us that we should not look somber or sad, like the hypocrites, who want everyone to know about their fasting. Instead, Jesus encourages us to maintain a positive appearance and attitude during fasting, thereby emphasizing that our motives matter greatly.
The term “hypocrites” is strong and intentional. Generally, in biblical contexts, a hypocrite was someone who pretended to be righteous, but their heart was far from genuine faith. This warning challenges us to inspect our own hearts and ask why we undertake fasting or any other spiritual discipline. Are we seeking to please God and grow in our relationship with Him, or are we simply trying to look good in front of others, gain their admiration, or earn spiritual brownie points? Our intentions should align with our actions.
Matthew 6:16 Commentary and Explanation
Fasting is an ancient practice observed throughout the Bible, conveying repentance, mourning, and seeking God’s help. In the New Testament, it takes on a new layer, emphasizing a personal and intimate relationship with God rather than a public display of piety. Jesus here reveals that the public flaunting of spiritual disciplines, like fasting, takes away from their significant purpose. He assures us that true fasting is not an ostentation of willpower or dedication but a personal commitment to spiritually align ourselves with God’s will.
When Jesus mentions the reward received in full, He contrasts this with the rewards we receive from God when we fast sincerely, in secret. The true joy of fasting comes from the experience of inviting God into our lives on a deeper level, not from the accolades of those around us. Our sincerity and our heart’s desire for God should drive our fasting practices.
We might think of other fasting examples throughout Scripture. For instance, in the context of Esther, when she called for a fast to seek guidance for her people’s survival. Her prayerful attitude and focus on God’s will were central themes during her fasting time. Taking this principle, we can apply it to ourselves in a way that encourages sincere prayer and goals that align with God’s heart, rather than just going through the motions to impress others.
Context of Matthew 6:16
This verse falls within Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He discusses various spiritual disciplines and relational aspects of faith. The Sermon on the Mount spans chapters five through seven in Matthew and addresses various topics, including prayer, generosity, and fasting. Each aspect is rooted in integrity, humility, and sincerity toward God and others. Jesus keeps returning to the theme of authenticity versus hypocrisy, an essential teaching for us today.
The broader context helps us understand that Matthew 6:16 is part of a more extensive discourse on how to express righteousness. Jesus encourages His followers to practice these spiritual disciplines in ways that honor God rather than seeking recognition from others. This means that our acts of worship should come from a place of genuine faith and not for the purpose of looking spiritual in the eyes of others.
This teaching can be an eye-opener for many. In our culture, it can be easy to seek affirmation or recognition for our spiritual commitments. So, we can ask ourselves: How can we cultivate a spirit of humility in our acts of devotion? By ensuring our focus remains on God alone, we can create an opportunity for spiritual growth.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 6:16
In dissecting the key phrases of this verse, we find rich meaning. “Look somber” indicates a specific choice in outward appearance, intending to garner sympathy or admiration. It suggests a self-consciousness about one’s spiritual condition, wherein an individual acts to draw attention to themselves, rather than focusing on their relationship with God.
The phrase “as the hypocrites do” serves as a reminder to avoid duplicity in our spiritual lives. Jesus emphasizes consistency between what we say and do, urging us to reside in authenticity. This highlights a broader scriptural theme about being genuine before God at all times, in every facet of our lives.
Finally, the last part of the verse communicates a warning about the consequences of outward religiosity. “Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full” means that if we live to impress, we may receive earthly rewards but miss out on the divine blessings found in sincere service and humility. The overall challenge is clear: in fasting and all acts of worship, our focus should remain on cultivating our hearts towards God rather than attempting to impress others.
Lessons From Matthew 6:16
As we apply the teachings of Matthew 6:16 to our lives, there are several lessons worth noting. One of the first lessons is the importance of our motivations. Why do we pursue spiritual disciplines? Are we seeking God’s presence, or the applause of people? Often, the heart’s intention makes all the difference in our relationship with God.
We also learn about the nature of relational faith. Our relationship with God should be personal and intimate, not focused on public perception. True spirituality leads us to a place of authenticity, where our actions reflect our faith internally, away from the prying eyes of others. Fasting, prayer, and other spiritual activities should be expressions of our heart towards God, highlighting our faithfulness rather than our image.
Finally, Jesus’s call to humility teaches us valuable lessons about putting God first in our lives. The practice of fasting should lead us not just to sacrifice food but to remind us of our dependence on God. It encourages us to reflect on His provision, showing us that our spiritual sustenance comes from a much deeper source. In this way, fasting can lead to deeper spiritual insights and growth.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Matthew 6:16 calls us to a higher standard of living our faith. It challenges us to genuinely evaluate our motivations and lean into a pure relationship with God. We should be mindful that in all our spiritual practices, we seek to glorify Him rather than seeking recognition from others. By aligning our hearts and actions, we can cultivate a deeper, more profound spiritual journey.
As we reflect on this verse and its insights, let us commit to living out our faith with authenticity. We can remember the lessons of humility and internally-focused devotion in our lives. If the topic of fasting interests you further, consider linking it with Jesus’s teachings in Matthew 6:4, where we discuss receiving rewards in a more profound spiritual context. May our fasting draw us closer to God, deepen our faith, and encourage us to reflect His love to those around us.