In a world where recognition is often the currency of worth, Jesus invites us into a deeper, quieter reality—one where true righteousness is not performed for human applause but as an intimate act of worship before God. In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses three key acts of personal communion: giving, prayer, and fasting. Each of these disciplines is a means by which we draw near to God, yet their reward is determined not by the act itself, but by the heart behind it.
The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day had mastered public displays of righteousness. Their giving was done with great spectacle, their prayers were long and eloquent for all to hear, and their fasting was marked by visible signs of suffering. But Jesus, with a gentle yet piercing rebuke, exposed the emptiness of their rituals. “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them,” He warned, “if you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).
True communion with God is not about performance; it is about presence. It is about meeting God in the secret places of our hearts, where no one else sees but Him.
Giving: Worship Through Service
Jesus begins with an act of righteousness that directly impacts others—giving. He calls His followers to give, not for recognition, but as an act of worship.
“When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others” (Matthew 6:2).
Giving, in its purest form, is never about self. It is not even about the good feeling that comes from generosity. True discipleship is found in serving God by serving others, where God—not our own sense of fulfillment—is the focus.
Jesus did not condemn giving itself; rather, He condemned the motive behind it. A gift given for the approval of men is its own reward, but a gift given in honor of God invites a deeper reward—His presence and delight.
Stewardship, whether through tithes, offerings, or acts of generosity, should never be done out of obligation. Instead, it is a deeply personal moment of communion with God, an opportunity to worship Him with our resources and reflect His heart to the world.
Prayer: A Private Encounter with God
Prayer is one of the most intimate ways we connect with God, and Jesus teaches that its power is found not in public displays but in private surrender.
“When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:6).
Public prayer has its place, but the deepest moments of prayer often happen in solitude. Think of a time in worship when you have most felt God’s presence—was it in the quiet of your heart, when all distractions faded away?
Jesus encourages us to be thoughtful in our prayers. Just as we choose our words carefully in important conversations, our prayers should be intentional and meaningful. Writing them down, speaking them out loud in a private place, and meditating on God’s Word can deepen our connection with Him.
Yet, above all, honesty is key. God already knows our hearts; our prayers should simply bring us into agreement with what He already sees. There is no need for pretense—only truth.
Fasting: A Hunger for God
Fasting is often misunderstood as a religious obligation or even a spiritualized weight-loss program. But Jesus teaches that fasting is not about depriving the body; it is about focusing the heart.
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting” (Matthew 6:16).
Fasting is a declaration that God’s reign, will, and purpose matter more than our physical needs. While food fasts remind us of the body’s control over us, other fasts—intellectual, emotional, social, or informational—help us discipline our lives so that God remains at the center.
What might it look like to fast from distractions that pull us away from God? To set aside time from media, conversations, or busyness to be still before Him? The heart of fasting is not deprivation, but devotion.
The True Reward: A Life in God’s Presence
Jesus does not condemn giving, prayer, or fasting—He invites us to experience their deeper reward. When done with a heart focused on God, these acts become gateways to a greater reality: the presence of God in our daily lives.
This is the true reward—not the fleeting praise of men, but the abiding nearness of God. To live with an awareness of His presence in each moment is to walk in the fullness of life He desires for us.
As we reflect on these teachings, let us examine our hearts. Are we seeking recognition, or are we seeking God? Are our acts of righteousness performed for others, or are they the overflow of a heart longing for communion with the Father?
Let us seek Him in secret, knowing that in His presence, we find the only reward that truly satisfies.
Scripture for Reflection: Matthew 6:6
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Pastor Mark