Matthew 6:16 - “Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
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What does "Matthew 6:16" mean?
This verse from Matthew 6:16 is part of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, where he's teaching about true righteousness and how to practice piety (religious acts) in a way that pleases God, not just impresses other people. Here's a breakdown:
"Moreover when you fast...": This assumes that Jesus' followers will fast. Fasting was a common practice in Jewish tradition, often done as an act of humility, repentance, or devotion.
"...don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces.": This is the key point. Jesus is condemning the hypocritical practice of ostentatious fasting. The "hypocrites" are those who pretend to be something they are not, putting on a show of piety for the sake of appearances. They make their faces look "sad" or "disfigured" (or generally unkempt) so that everyone will notice they are fasting. The goal is to get attention and praise.
"For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting.": This clarifies the motive. They are intentionally making themselves look miserable so that others will compliment them on their dedication and self-denial.
"Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.": This is the punchline. Their "reward" is the praise and recognition they receive from other people. However, that's all they'll receive. They won't receive a reward from God because their motive was wrong. Their act of fasting was about vanity, not about genuine devotion or seeking God.
In essence, the verse means:
When you fast, do it genuinely, as an act of devotion to God. Don't make a public spectacle of it to impress others. If your motive is to be seen and praised by people, that's all you'll get – their praise. True fasting is a private matter between you and God, motivated by a sincere desire to connect with Him. God cares about the intent of your heart, not the outward show.
Implications and Relevance:
Motives matter: This verse highlights the importance of having the right motives in all religious practices (prayer, giving, fasting, etc.).
Avoiding hypocrisy: It warns against outward displays of piety that are not rooted in genuine faith.
True humility: It encourages genuine humility and a focus on pleasing God rather than pleasing people.
Sincere relationship with God: It emphasizes the importance of having a sincere and private relationship with God.
The message is timeless: avoid empty religious gestures and strive for a genuine, heart-felt connection with God in all your actions.
Matthew 6:16 - “Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
What does "Matthew 6:16" mean?
This verse from Matthew 6:16 is part of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, where he's teaching about true righteousness and how to practice piety (religious acts) in a way that pleases God, not just impresses other people. Here's a breakdown:
"Moreover when you fast...": This assumes that Jesus' followers will fast. Fasting was a common practice in Jewish tradition, often done as an act of humility, repentance, or devotion.
"...don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces.": This is the key point. Jesus is condemning the hypocritical practice of ostentatious fasting. The "hypocrites" are those who pretend to be something they are not, putting on a show of piety for the sake of appearances. They make their faces look "sad" or "disfigured" (or generally unkempt) so that everyone will notice they are fasting. The goal is to get attention and praise.
"For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting.": This clarifies the motive. They are intentionally making themselves look miserable so that others will compliment them on their dedication and self-denial.
"Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.": This is the punchline. Their "reward" is the praise and recognition they receive from other people. However, that's all they'll receive. They won't receive a reward from God because their motive was wrong. Their act of fasting was about vanity, not about genuine devotion or seeking God.
In essence, the verse means:
When you fast, do it genuinely, as an act of devotion to God. Don't make a public spectacle of it to impress others. If your motive is to be seen and praised by people, that's all you'll get – their praise. True fasting is a private matter between you and God, motivated by a sincere desire to connect with Him. God cares about the intent of your heart, not the outward show.
Implications and Relevance:
Motives matter: This verse highlights the importance of having the right motives in all religious practices (prayer, giving, fasting, etc.).
Avoiding hypocrisy: It warns against outward displays of piety that are not rooted in genuine faith.
True humility: It encourages genuine humility and a focus on pleasing God rather than pleasing people.
Sincere relationship with God: It emphasizes the importance of having a sincere and private relationship with God.
The message is timeless: avoid empty religious gestures and strive for a genuine, heart-felt connection with God in all your actions.