I love the Pentateuch. Not only is it fascinating to read the birth story of both the universe and the Jewish people, it offers a deep level of context to almost every other book of the Bible. In my studies of Matthew chapter six this week, I’ve been reminded of one of my favorite Bible stories – although it’s not a pleasant one. Numbers chapter 11 details one of Israel’s episodes of grumbling against Moses (and thus, God) as they wandered the wilderness. After God’s dramatic rescue of his people from slavery, after his miraculous provision of water and the very bread of heaven, the Israelites still had a “craving.” The people demanded meat, not just bread. So, Moses complained to God about Israel’s complaints to him, and God answered, “…say to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat, for you have wept in the hearing of the LORD, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was better for us in Egypt.’ Therefore the LORD will give you meat, and you shall eat.”

Now, what on earth does that story have to do with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount? In Matthew chapter six, Jesus describes to his followers how their religious practices should differ sharply from those of the “hypocrites.” He explains his commands to them using examples, instructions, and warnings, and, most notably, promises. Rather, he uses the single promise, “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” As I’ve studied the Greek text alongside the English Standard Version, I’ve had the opportunity to see the way the structure of this passage strengthens its message.

In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus speaks of both the hypocrites and his followers receiving their reward. What surprised me is that the Greek noun translated “reward” in verse one is nowhere to be found in verses three and four. And in verses two through four, the emphasis when speaking of a “reward” is actually conveyed by verbs – and different ones at that. “Reward” is a good translation of the Greek, but it carries a generally positive meaning in English. The words of the original text, however, convey a broader meaning that could be stated as “what is due to you.”

Perhaps the English translators didn’t see this as an important distinction, or perhaps I am applying too liberal a meaning to “reward.” Still, it helps me understand Jesus’ words on a deeper level. The hypocrites practice their religion publicly and extravagantly in order to receive praise from men – and they did. They received the reward they were seeking. We, however, are to practice our righteousness for God’s eyes alone. We are to worship this way because God is good, and we desire to share in his goodness. And we will receive from God’s own hand the reward we seek.

How often do you wonder why the Bible says God gives good gifts when your life seems full of only chaos and stress? I certainly struggle with this. Most of the time I force myself to let go; life just sucks sometimes (I’m pretty sure that’s in the Bible somewhere). This morning, as I trudged down to my office, my aches and pains were smothering my desire to begin the day’s studying. Discipline, I told myself, Just try.

Yesterday, I thought Matthew 6:18 concluded Jesus’ teaching on the right way to practice religion. Today, as I moved on to verse 19, I realized that verses 19-21 are best understood when read with what precedes them. Rewards… and treasure. What reward does Jesus promise I will receive, and what reward are the hypocrites already receiving? Surely, God gives all of us our reward, but by no means is that necessarily a good thing.

I haven’t forgotten the quail, in case you were wondering. The difference between a reward and “what is due to you” brought me to Numbers 11 in the first place. I didn’t quite finish the story, though. Yes, God said he’d give the Israelites that for which they cried out, but he goes on, “’You shall not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you.’ …[And] while the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck down the people with a very great plague.” Be careful what you ask for, right?

If someone unfamiliar with the Bible read Matthew 6:1-21, it’d be understandable for him to come away with the impression that God rewards us because of our good behavior. Reading 6:21 in reverse has helped avoid this error; for where your heart is, there is your treasure also. By faith, through grace, I have set my sights – my heart – on the Lord God who is in heaven. And my Father God, who sees my inmost desire, will give me the reward I long for. He has placed the wealth of heaven in his Son’s hand, who will guard it for me until I arrive home.

God gives us the gifts we are due, but it is only through his mercy and grace that we come to desire him above all else in the first place. When it comes down to it, God beckons us to receive what is due to his Son. It may not be spread out on the ground around you, but you still must choose – do you want the bread of heaven, or do you want the quail?