Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
And when you're fasting, don't walk around looking all miserable like those fake people do. They mess up their appearance on purpose so everyone can see how 'spiritual' they are. Trust me, getting those likes and comments is all the reward they're gonna get.
Don't perform your faith for an audience, God sees your heart, not your highlight reel.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of Jesus, fasting was a common Jewish practice for spiritual disciplines like repentance and seeking God's favor, often observed during events such as the Day of Atonement. However, some religious leaders, whom Jesus referred to as hypocrites, would deliberately make their fasting obvious by disfiguring their faces to gain public admiration and appear more pious. This teaching is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus contrasted genuine faith with hypocritical displays of righteousness.
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