The Gospel of the Kingdom - Matthew - Fasting - Part 2

 

Text: Matthew 6:16-18 – “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

Moving from Prayer to the topic of Fasting. Jesus often puts these two topics together. If we struggle with daily prayer, I am willing to bet in our culture of today we really struggle with the concept of fasting. Today, we will dissect this passage as Jesus addresses the hypocrites and the humble in relation to fasting. 

Jesus starts with the hypocrites in Matthew 6:16. He says, “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” In other words, they would make themselves up so that they looked miserable. This would let everyone know that they were fasting. This was an outward show for the approval of men. They wanted people to think highly of them for their so-called spirituality. Jesus told them – enjoy the approval of men because that was all they were going to receive. No reward from God for this pretense.

Then, in Matthew 6: 17 – 18, Jesus spoke about the humble and said, “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” They comb their hair and wash their faces so only God knows what they are doing. They are not showing off to others. This was truly an inward attitude for God alone. And because of this, the Father rewards them.

So, if you choose to fast, will it be for show? To try to be spiritual around others? To get the applause of men? Or will it be in obedience to God and for His favor? 

So, we move from the Discipline of Fasting to our relationship in the Kingdom with our treasures tomorrow. I look forward to our time together then.