Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount that how we fast matters! The leaders of the day emphasized the action of fasting much more than the heart. As Jesus teaches the people, he calls them to recognize that we are called to fast not just with the right actions, but also with the right motivations! When we fast with the right motivations, our prayer is "God, align my heart with your heart". In fasting, God draws us close to Himself. When we pursue God, our reward is God himself! What a beautiful reward that it is.