Book of Matthew - Chapter 6 - Verse 16

Jesus warns against the hypocritical practice of fasting with a gloomy appearance in order to gain praise from others. Instead, He teaches that fasting should be done in a way that is sincere and focused on God, rather than seeking approval or recognition from people. By disfiguring their faces and appearing miserable, the hypocrites are not engaging in authentic worship or devotion, but rather putting on a show for others to see. Jesus emphasizes that true fasting should be a personal and private act of humility and self-denial, not a public display to gain human approval. The reward for the hypocrites' outward display of fasting is merely the attention and accolades they receive from others, while the true reward for genuine fasting done with a pure heart is God's approval and blessing.

When examining the theological interpretation of this verse, it is important to understand the context in which Jesus is speaking. Here, Jesus is addressing the issue of fasting and the hypocrisy that can often accompany religious practices. The word "hypocrites" refers to those who outwardly appear righteous but are actually insincere in their actions. In this verse, Jesus is cautioning against performing religious acts, such as fasting, simply for the approval and recognition of others. He emphasizes that fasting should be done with a pure heart, without seeking attention or praise from others. The word "disfigure" is significant as it highlights the extreme lengths to which hypocrites will go to appear devout, even at the expense of their own physical appearance. Ultimately, Jesus reminds his followers that true righteousness comes from a sincere and humble heart, rather than external displays of religious piety. This serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize authenticity and integrity in one's relationship with God.