Lent
Ash Wednesday
February 18, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)
Jesus expects his disciples to practice a covenantal piety that centers on a longing for God’s kingdom to arrive and strives to please God, not humans.
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Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Working Preacher
The appointed Ash Wednesday gospel read verse by verse, weighing whether the text critiques piety on display or the Lenten disciplines themselves.
Matthew 6 - Enduring Word Bible Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik walks the whole chapter, treating almsgiving, prayer, and fasting as acts done for God rather than for an audience.
Matthew 6 Resources Precept Austin
A deep collection of verse-level notes, word studies, and cross references for the Sermon on the Mount teaching on hidden devotion.
Matthew 6:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators (Barnes, Ellicott, Meyer, and others) gathered on the opening warning against practicing righteousness to be seen.
Background & Word Study
Matthew - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on Matthew's audience, structure, and portrait of Jesus as teacher of true righteousness.
Book of Matthew Overview, Chapters 1-13 BibleProject
Animated overview that maps the Sermon on the Mount within Matthew's larger design.
Matthew 6:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing so the reader can test the key words for righteousness, reward, and treasure.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
The Secret Life of Christians Journey with Jesus
An Ash Wednesday essay on doing acts of devotion in secret where God alone sees the heart.
March 6, Ash Wednesday (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21) The Christian Century
A lectionary reflection on the tension between receiving ashes and Jesus warning against public piety.
Questions preachers ask
Why is Matthew 6 the Ash Wednesday Gospel?
Jesus teaches that giving, prayer, and fasting be done in secret before the Father, and that treasure be laid up in heaven, setting the tone for Lent.
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