What is the meaning of Matthew 6:16? When you fast • Jesus begins with “When you fast,” assuming His followers will practice fasting, just as He did with giving (Matthew 6:2) and prayer (Matthew 6:5). • Fasting is a God-given discipline for humbling ourselves before Him, seeking His guidance, and drawing near (see Isaiah 58:6; Acts 13:2-3). • The expectation is personal devotion, not public display. In Matthew 9:15, Jesus links fasting with longing for His presence—an inward desire, not an outward performance. Do not be somber like the hypocrites • “Do not be somber” warns against a gloomy, showy demeanor. God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), so external misery does not impress Him. • Hypocrisy is acting: presenting an image that hides reality (Matthew 23:27). The contrast is sincere worship marked by joy, even while denying the flesh (Philippians 4:4). • True fasting pairs external restraint with internal gratitude, acknowledging that “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). For they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting • Disfiguring the face—exaggerated expressions, unkempt appearance—turns a private discipline into a public announcement. • Jesus has already cautioned against parading righteousness: giving “to be honored by men” (Matthew 6:2) and praying “to be seen by men” (Matthew 6:5). • Motive matters. Paul reminds, “What is seen may be impressive, but what is in the heart is more important” (2 Corinthians 5:12 paraphrase of principle). • When fasting becomes self-promotion, it shifts from God-centered worship to man-centered applause. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward • “Truly I tell you” underscores certainty; Jesus’ words are final and authoritative. • The “reward” these hypocrites sought was human admiration—and that is all they will receive. No heavenly credit remains (Matthew 6:1). • Seeking approval from people blocks the greater reward God offers (John 5:44; Galatians 1:10). • By contrast, those who fast in secret “will be rewarded” by the Father who sees in secret (Matthew 6:18), echoing the principle that eternal treasures eclipse earthly applause (Colossians 3:23-24). summary Matthew 6:16 calls believers to fast with authentic, God-focused hearts rather than somber theatrics. Fasting is assumed, but ostentatious displays betray wrong motives. When the goal is human praise, that fleeting recognition is the only reward. When the goal is God’s pleasure, the Father who sees in secret grants lasting, heavenly reward. |
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