God sees us and rewards good deeds received with prayer, forgiveness, and fasting (Matthew 6:1-18)

This is so interesting how our job description as Peacemakers, children of God continues to build from the Spirit of the law, Jesus continues to explain what "righteousness" is. What should we be thirsty for that will lead to being satisfied/filled. What does the kingdom of God look like, as we are poor and realize our need for him? Jesus explains good deeds received with prayer, forgiveness and fasting have the effecting of bringing God's will to earth, as it is in heaven. A key tenant is seen in Matthew 6:14-15:

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

A) Righteous good deeds are reward by our God who sees

6:1-4) good deeds (like light for all to see, leading praise to God Matthew 5:16) charity giving should be private, your Father who sees will reward.

Reward shows up 12 times in Matt5-13, this is the third occurrence, the first two are here:

• God blesses persecuted for doing right as followers of Jesus, great reward awaits in heaven. (Matthew 5:10-12)
• If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Love your enemies, you are perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:43-48)

B) Prayer and fasting according to God's will is rewarded by our God who sees

6:5-6) Pray to Father in private, not masked in public, your Father who sees everything will reward you. El Roi (gen 16:13)

6:7-9) Pray to our Father in heaven, he knows exactly what you need before you ask

6:10) Pray your Kingdom come, will be done on earth as it is in heaven

• We have every Spiritual Blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3-6 
• All Authority give to Christ at the Resurrection, and he pass that authority on to us to make disciples - Matthew 28:18-20

6:11-15) Give food, forgive sins as we have forgiven those who sin against us, not yielding to temptation but rescue from evil one, forgive those who sin, brings forgiveness from our heavenly Father. Refusing to forgive others, leaves our sins unforgiven.

• The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, found in Matthew 18:23-35, is a story Jesus used to illustrate the importance of forgiveness and the consequences of unforgiveness

6:16-18) fasting should be done in private, so only Father who sees everything will reward you.

C) Reward is realized on earth as it is in Heaven, Binding

The idea of reward culminates in Matthew 10:40-42, my greatest insight as we studies the Gospel of John last year (John 5:23, John 12:44-45, John 13:20, John 14:21, John 17:18, John 20:21) also in Luke 10:16 and 2 Cor 5:20, Gal 4:14, 1 Thes 4:8, 1 John 4:6 and the prophet Isaiah 6:8-9

“Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

In Matthew 10:40, Jesus states, "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me." This verse emphasizes the close connection between Jesus, his disciples, and the Father. Receiving the disciples is equated with receiving Jesus, and receiving Jesus is equated with receiving the Father.  

• The Disciples as Representatives: Jesus is sending his disciples out to preach and heal, effectively representing him. Therefore, when people receive the disciples, they are essentially receiving Jesus and his message. 
• A Deeper Connection: The verse goes beyond the practical act of receiving. It implies that those who welcome the disciples with open hearts and minds are also acknowledging and honoring Jesus and the Father. 
• The Shaliach Concept: This idea aligns with the shaliach concept in Jewish tradition, where a sent one is considered as representative of the sender. The disciples, as shaliach, are seen as carrying the same authority and representing the same person as Jesus. 
• A Promise of Reward: Matthew 10:41 and 42 further expand on this theme, promising rewards for those who receive prophets, righteous people, or even a simple cup of cold water to the disciples, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and kindness to those representing Jesus. 

The saying "what is bound on earth will be bound in heaven" (and similarly, "what is loosed on earth will be loosed in heaven") is a concept found in the Bible, particularly in Matthew 16:19 and 18:18. It signifies that earthly decisions and actions, especially within the church, have corresponding significance in the spiritual realm.