"Matthew-6:18 (KJV) - That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."

This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus provides teachings and guidance to his disciples and the crowd. In this specific passage, Jesus is addressing the act of fasting and the heart behind it.

The verse begins by instructing that when fasting, one should not make a public display of it, seeking the applause or recognition of others. Instead, the true motivation for fasting should be to seek the approval and reward from God, who sees what is done in secret.

This verse is part of a larger section in which Jesus addresses various religious practices, such as giving to the needy (Matthew 6:1-4), prayer (Matthew 6:5-15), and fasting (Matthew 6:16-18). In each case, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of sincere and humble motives in these acts of devotion.

The context of this verse is important to understand its deeper meaning. During the time of Jesus, fasting was a common religious practice, often done as a sign of repentance, mourning, or seeking God's direction. However, like other religious acts, fasting could also be used to gain public recognition and admiration for one's piety.

In this verse, Jesus is cautioning against the temptation to use religious practices for self-glorification. Instead, the focus should be on genuine devotion to God, seeking his approval and reward rather than the praise of men. This teaching aligns with the broader theme of humility and sincerity in one's relationship with God, which is a consistent theme throughout Jesus' teachings.

The symbolism in this verse is clear. It serves as a reminder that true devotion to God comes from a sincere and humble heart. Just as fasting is to be done in secret, the motivation behind all acts of worship and devotion should be pure, with no desire for recognition or praise from others.

The promise of reward from God is also significant. By emphasizing that God sees what is done in secret and will reward openly, Jesus is encouraging his followers to have faith in the ultimate justice and recognition that God will provide. This promise serves as an assurance that genuine acts of devotion, done with the right heart, will not go unnoticed or unrewarded by God.

Overall, Matthew 6:18, within its broader context, reinforces the message of humility and sincerity in the practice of religious duties. It teaches that the true value of fasting, or any act of worship, comes not from the approval of others, but from the approval and reward of God. This is a timeless and universal principle that continues to be relevant for believers today, reminding them to prioritize their relationship with God and the purity of their motives in all spiritual practices.