Matthew 6:5–18

Explore the Bible
Dean, School of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

APPROACHING THE KING

Matthew 6:5–18

Our King differs from the kings of the earth. Pomp and circumstance, observing ritual and “putting on airs” are the means by which an earthly monarch is approached. Not so with our King.

Jesus warned against role playing when approaching the King. Acts of worship — giving, praying and fasting — are often practiced by those who believe that ritual is sufficient to placate their deity. Such practices are insufficient in the Kingdom, for our King is fully aware of the thoughts and intents of our heart. Jesus warns that those who play the part of worshipper will receive what they seek, the applause of their audience. True worshippers seek an audience with the King.

Between Him and Us (5–6)

Jesus warned the disciples not to pray for the purpose of being observed by others. The motivation, not the action, was the issue. As a young believer I wrestled with whether or not it was biblical to lead in public prayer. After all, Jesus taught that followers were not to pray to be seen by men. Other passages in Scripture make it clear that public prayers — often confessions of personal and national sin — are appropriate. So what was Jesus teaching? How do we apply this instruction?

When we pray, we must not do so as an actor on a stage. We are conversing with the King, whether or not others eavesdrop. The focus of worship is our King not the crowd.

Honest Communication (7–8)

Here Jesus also warned about repetitious ritual practiced by idolaters. They assumed God would hear them because of their many words and repeated phrases.

This was precisely what I did as a child reared in a congregation who repeated the Lord’s Prayer (or Model Prayer) as part of the worship liturgy. Rather than focusing on an audience with the King, my thoughts were on how my voice blended into the army of voices ritually responding to our pastor’s prompt: “In the name of Jesus, Who taught us to pray, ‘Our Father … .’”

Respectfully Requested (9–15)

We must be mindful of the Master’s purpose for teaching us the Model Prayer. This prayer is an outline to follow for approaching God in adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication.

Some of the earliest New Testament manuscripts do not contain the final section: “For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” The content, however, is biblical: “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the Kingdom and You are exalted as head over all” (1 Chron. 29:11).

Not only did Jesus instruct us about approaching the King with our requests, but He also warned us to pray with an attitude of forgiveness toward others. Within the prayer, He includes “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Forgiveness is essential in approaching the King.

Proper Motivation (16–18)

Self-denial is not unique to Christian faith. Fasting is practiced by believers and idolaters alike. The practices themselves are held in common by Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews and Christians. The motivation for fasting distinguishes us from practitioners of other faiths.

If your purpose for fasting is to play the role of “the ascetic” in a stage production, then congratulations. Enjoy the applause. However, if you are seeking an audience with the King, it is no one else’s business if you are fasting.