Matthew 6:18 meaning
Fasting is an act of personal discipline that encourages believers to focus on spiritual growth rather than public display. In the cultural context of Jesus’ time, fasting was often misused by some, particularly the Pharisees, who sought public admiration rather than genuine connection with God. This verse directly addresses the hypocrisy associated with such showy acts of worship. Jesus instructs His followers to maintain a private relationship with God during their fasting, emphasizing the importance of sincerity.
In Matthew 6:18, the emphasis is on performing religious acts in secret, suggesting that true righteousness is about what happens within one's heart and relationship with the Father. Jesus reassures that the Father, who sees in secret, will reward openly. This aligns with the broader theme in the Sermon on the Mount that warns against the pursuit of human approval at the expense of divine favor. Furthermore, it highlights that the essence of fasting is to draw nearer to God and seek His guidance, rather than to gain social status.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 6:16-18 meaning. Jesus warns against fasting to win the hollow rewards of man’s approval and self-righteousness. Instead He encourages His disciples to seek the greater reward from their Heavenly Father by fasting in secret.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 6:16-18 meaning. Jesus warns against fasting to win the hollow rewards of man’s approval and self-righteousness. Instead He encourages His disciples to seek the greater reward from their Heavenly Father by fasting in secret.
- Matthew 18:6-7 meaning. Having taught about greatness in the kingdom, Jesus now teaches about failure. He teaches that becoming a stumbling block to little ones is an immediate disqualifier for the rewards of the kingdom. He compares becoming such a stumbling block to having a heavy weight tied around one’s neck and being hurled into the sea.
- Matthew 11:2-6 meaning. John, who has now been imprisoned sends a cryptic question to Jesus inquiring if He is the Messiah or not. Jesus responds with a clear, but coded, answer.