Context for Matthew 6:1-18
The teachings of Jesus extending from the Beatitudes are continued. From these verses of Matthew, really chapters 5-7, we see the fullness of Jesus’ teaching about how we should be as Christians because of our faith and the will to be righteous that such faith brings.
We do not often think of these actions in this way, but giving to those in need, praying, and fasting are three of the actions that the Bible repeatedly refers to when it refers to the actions of the righteous. Undoubtedly, these three actions define a kind of behavior that sets the faithful apart from those who are not, but why are they important?
Giving to the needy is more than just a sign of charity. It is also a sign of faith, because we as Christians understand that our physical means ultimately come from God. Therefore, giving away those means to those in need is not a worrisome burden because we trust that God will take care of us, and, perhaps more, will be able to bless us more fully as we conform ourselves to His will. In fact, charity is the greatest expression humans can muster for the very kind of love God showed for us by dying on the cross for us.
It is no accident that charity is listed first in this list in Matthew, because it puts the other two actions in context. While charity is something we do for others, praying and fasting is something we do for ourselves. However, these things are done for the same benefit to us because as we pray and fast, we put aside the world’s concerns and cares and conform ourselves more closely to our God.
Taken together, charity, prayer, and fasting represent a lifetime of work for a sinful human being themselves. If we truly dedicate ourselves to those outward activities, in conjunction with Bible study, corporate worship, and regular receiving of Christ’s body and blood, we dedicate ourselves to the very means God has given us to strengthen our faith and our witness. It is by these means, through our faith in Jesus Christ, that we receive God’s righteousness as sinful human begins and receive His promise of Heaven.
DLH
