“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.” – Matthew 6:16 (KJV)
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.” – Matthew 6:16 (NLT)
“When you fast, don’t let it be obvious, like the hypocrites. They put on a sad face so others will know they are fasting. I’m telling you, they’ve already received their reward.” – Matthew 6:16 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 6:16 Mean?
Matthew 6:16 speaks to the heart of our intentions regarding fasting. When Jesus delivers this message, He highlights the importance of not flaunting our spiritual practices for recognition from others. Fasting is a deeply personal act of devotion that should be between us and God, not a show for the spectators around us. When He talks about hypocrites, He is addressing those who desire to earn the admiration and praise of people rather than seeking to genuinely connect with God. It serves as a reminder to reflect on the true purpose of fasting, which is to humble ourselves before God and pursue a deeper relationship with Him.
Fasting is more than just abstaining from food. It signals our willingness to let go of earthly desires for a period to draw closer to the divine. We are invited to shift our focus away from what others see and instead seek the heart of God in our fasting. This verse challenges us to self-examine when we are engaging in acts of faith; are we doing it for God’s glory or our own pride? True fasting brings transformation within and draws us closer to Christ’s mission.
Matthew 6:16 Explanation and Commentary
When we analyze Matthew 6:16, we note how Jesus drew a sharp contrast between authentic spiritual practice and the empty rituals of the hypocrites. The term “hypocrites” reflects individuals whose external actions do not align with their inner motives. They project an image of piety to others while seeking the praise that comes with it. We find this echoed in many areas throughout the Scriptures, reminding us that God looks at our hearts and attitudes (1 Samuel 16:7).
Jesus does not condemn fasting itself; instead, He critiques the attitude with which many approach it. By choosing to disfigure their faces and look miserable, these hypocrites aim for the attention of others, hoping to gain respect for the sacrifices they are undertaking. This casts a shadow over the very essence of fasting as a means of seeking God’s favor and mercy. The idea that they “have their reward” implies that their accolades from others are all they will receive because their hearts were not aligned with God’s intention.
The practice of fasting serves as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth. When done in private and with sincerity, it positions us to cultivate humility. We may remember the many Biblical figures who fasted for various reasons, like Moses before receiving the Ten Commandments or Esther in her plea to save her people. Each fast was grounded in earnest devotion and not in vain glory.
This brings us to a very critical question: What’s our purpose in fasting? Is it personal gain, or is it seeking to understand God’s will more deeply? As we reflect on this, let us remember that spiritual practices such as fasting are meant to deepen our relationship with God and to express our dependence on Him. By focusing on Him, rather than public acclaim, we align ourselves with His desires and purposes.
Context of Matthew 6:16
Matthew 6:16 is part of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches principles of ethical living and spirituality. The sermon is a significant collection of teachings addressing the external behaviors of religious practice while aiming to connect them with the profound depths of the heart. Jesus focuses on how public displays of piety can mask personal spiritual impotence. He emphasizes that true righteousness comes from inside, away from the prying eyes of the public, promoting a private relationship with God.
Before reaching verse 16, Jesus discusses several other topics on prayer and generosity, setting the tone for His teachings. He communicates the importance of sincerity in our spiritual lives and does not separate the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and giving. Instead, He seamlessly emphasizes that our motivations matter immensely. Within this section of scripture, we find encouragement to pursue authenticity over appearances and demonstrate love and grace rather than striving for the approval of people.
This context reminds us that Jesus intimately understands human nature. Our hearts often yearn to be recognized, honored, and validated, drawing us to perform religious activities for external validation. Authentic faith, however, propels us toward quiet humility, where we can experience the fullness of God’s love and grace away from the spotlight. By placing Matthew 6:16 within the broader narrative, we gain insight into how Jesus calls us to live in harmony with His teachings, prioritizing connection over performance.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 6:16
Matthew 6:16 begins with a clear directive: “when ye fast.” This simple phrase captures an inherent expectation that fasting will be part of our spiritual practices. It indicates Jesus’ recognition that fasting is an integral part of our faith journey and implies that there will be moments in life that call for it.
Next, we encounter “be not, as the hypocrites.” Here Jesus sharply distinguishes between true followers and those who wear masks of righteousness. The hypocrisy He refers to is not merely an external display but a betrayal of one’s inner sincerity. We can recognize this in our lives when we may feel pressure to fit specific spiritual molds that society or traditions impose.
Moreover, the mention of a “sad countenance” speaks to the physical manifestations of spiritual fatigue that others may perceive. The disfigured faces provide insight into their motive and the perils of seeking affirmation from men rather than God. Each of these phrases guides us back to evaluating our motivations and ensures they align with God’s intention of drawing closer to Him through fasting.
Jesus’ declaration that “they have their reward” emphasizes the emptiness inherent in seeking validation from others. For those who may have received accolades, their reward is superficial and ephemeral. But when we meditate on the beauty of private devotion, we will experience spiritual richness that transcends what the world can offer us. In inviting us into this heart of worship, Jesus calls us to prioritize deep and authentic devotion over outward appearances.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 6:16
One significant lesson from Matthew 6:16 revolves around intention. We must reflect on the motivations behind our actions and evaluate if they stem from a desire to please God or a wish to be seen by others. True spirituality is rooted in sincerity, not performance. It invites us to live authentically without the burden of trying to earn God’s love through the opinions of others.
Additionally, we learn about humility. Fasting silently is an act that acknowledges our reliance on God. It embodies our submission to Him, allowing for heart transformation and soul renewal. In our modern lives, pursuing genuine humility becomes incredibly valuable. Instead of inflating our significance, we are taught to serve others quietly.
Another vital takeaway is the understanding of spiritual discipline. Matthew 6:16 reminds us that fasting is a choice. While we inherently exist in a culture that often encourages self-satisfaction, Jesus calls us to lean into personal sacrifice to ignite spiritual growth and refinement. Regular practice of fasting can enhance our relationship with God, enabling us to discern His voice amidst other distractions.
Furthermore, it invites us to embrace community. When we understand that everyone possesses a shared experience of wrestling with true intentions, we cultivate empathy within our relationships. Encouraging, supporting, and praying for one another in our spiritual journeys allows us to foster unity in our community while growing together in faith.
Final Thoughts
In Matthew 6:16, we find profound wisdom that extends far beyond the practice of fasting. The call to authenticity, humility, and connection reminds us of the intimate relationship our faith encourages. This verse serves as a mirror, reflecting back the conditions of our hearts as we commit to seeking God earnestly.
We are encouraged to evaluate our practices continually and assess whether they flow from a genuine desire to know Him rather than simply to be observed by others. As we embrace this transformative journey, we can rest assured knowing that our fasting, when done for the right reasons, prompts divine blessings, leading us to a richer and fuller relationship with God. Let’s commit to making our path focused on authenticity, knowing that our greatest fulfillment comes from a profound connection with our Creator.
If you are interested in exploring more topics related to faith, we encourage you to check out Matthew 11 or the creation story in Genesis 18. There are many enlightening paths we can walk together in faith.