In chapter six, Jesus continues to teach the disciples as well as the crowd that has gathered around them. The teachings within this chapter include giving to the needy, prayer, fasting, and money/possessions. Jesus teaches us to do our good deeds in private instead of in public as a means of showing off. Unfortunately, we are a part of a social media crazed generation that loves attention, accolades, acknowledgments, platforms, and credit for their deeds. You see people daily with their phone up to a homeless person’s face while giving them money or food. What is the reward in that? Is a few likes and a pat on the back worth displaying someone’s most vulnerable condition? God is not pleased with those types of antics although they portray the purpose of “helping someone”. God is also not please with the people who desire those same praises for the work that they do “for Him”. Jesus clearly tells us in verse four to give our gifts in private as God sees everything, and He will give the reward for our good deeds. I don’t know about you, but I’ll take God’s reward over man’s reward every single time.
Jesus continues to teach telling the people to pray and fast privately as well. Do you get the picture yet? Performances for men are not pleasing to God. Now this does not mean that you are not supposed to pray in public. If you are asked to pray for someone, during a service, etc., please do so. This verse is referring to praying in public with the wrong heart posture and impure motives (i.e. to sound intelligent, gain attention, as a showcase). The same applies to fasting. Unless you have asked someone to join you in fasting, it should be a private moment. If you are fasting, it would not be wise to go sit in the break room with everyone else knowing that they are going to ask you why you aren’t eating. Making social media posts about your fast is not wise either. Commit to being more private.
In verses 14 and 15, Jesus teaches regarding forgiveness. We must forgive to be forgiven; and if we refuse to forgive someone, God will refuse to forgive us. That is self explanatory so allow it to sink in. Those verses also tie into chapter five where Jesus tells us to leave our sacrifice at the altar and go settle our oughts. Forgiveness is essential when walking with God.
The last teachings of this chapter addresses money and possessions. We all want more money and more materialistic possessions. But why don’t we want the One who is able to give us anything we can think of or ask for? Why don’t we want more of God? The One who knows our needs before we even ask. The One who cares for us. All of the materialistic things are temporal. When you die, someone else will enjoy your money and possessions. Why would someone desire to gain wealth and possessions but die and go to hell? Friend, store your treasures up in heaven to ensure when you take your last breath, you will receive the greatest reward… eternal life. Instead of our thoughts being consumed by our needs and desires, God desires for us to have faith in Him that He will provide for us. As believers, we should not worry about things. Verse 33 is one of my favorite verses. If we seek God and His Kingdom above everything and everyone else and live righteously, God will give us everything we need. So I encourage you to focus on Him, my friend. He will take care of you.
Real Talk with Keve 