In Matthew 6:16–18, Jesus addresses the practice of fasting, calling His followers to a standard of sincerity and humility. This teaching, part of the Sermon on the Mount, highlights the importance of inward devotion rather than outward displays of piety. Jesus contrasts the hypocritical fasting of the religious leaders with the genuine, God-honoring fasting that reflects a heart fully devoted to Him. For Christians today, this passage provides a powerful reminder that spiritual disciplines are ultimately about seeking God’s presence and aligning our lives with His will. This essay will explore the context, meaning, and application of Jesus’ teaching on fasting in secret.
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The Context of Fasting in the Old Testament
1. The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting, the voluntary abstinence from food or other comforts, has long been practiced as a spiritual discipline. In the Old Testament, fasting was often associated with repentance, mourning, and seeking God’s guidance. For example:
- In Leviticus 16:29–31, the Israelites were commanded to fast on the Day of Atonement as a sign of repentance and humility before God.
- In Ezra 8:21–23, the people fasted and prayed for God’s protection as they prepared to return to Jerusalem.
- In Jonah 3:5–10, the people of Nineveh fasted in response to Jonah’s warning, demonstrating their repentance and seeking God’s mercy.
Fasting was intended to draw people closer to God by expressing dependence on Him and prioritizing spiritual needs over physical ones.
2. The Misuse of Fasting
By the time of Jesus, however, the practice of fasting had become a means of gaining social approval rather than a sincere act of worship. Some religious leaders fasted publicly and ostentatiously, seeking admiration for their piety. Jesus addresses this hypocrisy, warning against using fasting as a way to elevate oneself rather than honor God.
Jesus’ Teaching on Fasting
1. The Warning Against Hypocritical Fasting
Jesus begins with a critique of hypocritical fasting: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full” (Matthew 6:16). The term “hypocrites” refers to those who perform religious acts for the sake of appearance rather than genuine devotion. By disfiguring their faces—perhaps through unkempt appearances or exaggerated expressions of suffering—they sought to draw attention to their fasting and gain the admiration of others.
This behavior reflects a misunderstanding of fasting’s purpose. Rather than focusing on God, these individuals used fasting to seek human applause, forfeiting the spiritual benefits of the practice. As Jesus warns, their reward was limited to the fleeting approval of men.
2. The Call to Fast in Secret
In contrast, Jesus instructs His followers to fast with humility and sincerity: “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:17–18a). These instructions emphasize normalcy and discretion. In Jesus’ day, anointing the head with oil and washing the face were customary practices of personal hygiene, symbolizing joy and vitality. By maintaining a normal appearance, believers demonstrate that their fasting is directed toward God rather than others.
This teaching aligns with the broader theme of inward righteousness found throughout the Sermon on the Mount. God desires authenticity in worship, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
3. The Promise of God’s Reward
Jesus concludes with a promise: “And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:18b). This reward is not material but spiritual, reflecting the joy and satisfaction of deeper intimacy with God. When fasting is done with the right motives, it becomes an act of worship that draws the believer closer to God and aligns their heart with His will.
The Spiritual Significance of Fasting
Jesus’ teaching on fasting reveals its deeper spiritual significance. It is not about earning favor with God or impressing others but about seeking His presence and growing in dependence on Him.
1. Acknowledging Dependence on God
Fasting is a tangible expression of dependence on God. By setting aside physical nourishment, believers acknowledge that their ultimate sustenance comes from Him. As Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Fasting redirects focus from earthly needs to spiritual realities, fostering a deeper reliance on God’s provision.
2. Aligning with God’s Will
Fasting creates space for believers to seek God’s guidance and align their hearts with His purposes. Throughout Scripture, fasting is often accompanied by prayer, demonstrating the inseparable connection between the two disciplines. Acts 13:2–3 provides an example of this: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
3. Cultivating Humility and Repentance
Fasting fosters humility by reminding believers of their dependence on God and their need for His grace. It is often associated with repentance, as seen in Joel 2:12–13: “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Practical Applications for Believers
1. Fasting with the Right Motives
Believers must examine their motives for fasting, ensuring that their practice is directed toward God rather than seeking human recognition. This involves approaching fasting as an act of worship and a means of deepening one’s relationship with God, rather than a way to display spiritual discipline.
2. Combining Fasting with Prayer
Fasting is most effective when paired with prayer, as it creates space to seek God’s presence and intercede for others. Believers can use times of fasting to focus on specific prayer requests, whether for personal growth, guidance, or the needs of others.
3. Practicing Discretion
Jesus’ teaching encourages believers to fast discreetly, maintaining a normal appearance and avoiding behaviors that draw attention to their practice. This discretion protects the sincerity of the act and ensures that fasting remains a private expression of devotion to God.
4. Seeking God’s Guidance
Fasting can be a valuable tool for seeking God’s guidance in significant decisions or seasons of life. By setting aside physical comforts, believers create space to listen to God’s voice and discern His will, as seen in Ezra 8:21–23.
The Gospel and Fasting
Jesus’ teaching on fasting ultimately points to the gospel, where the true purpose of spiritual disciplines is revealed. Fasting, like prayer and giving, is not about earning God’s favor but about responding to His grace. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has reconciled believers to God, inviting them into a relationship of intimacy and trust. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
As believers fast with humility and sincerity, they reflect the transformative power of the gospel, demonstrating their dependence on God and their desire to know Him more deeply.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teaching on fasting in secret challenges believers to approach this spiritual discipline with sincerity, humility, and a focus on God. By avoiding hypocrisy and seeking God’s presence, fasting becomes a powerful expression of worship and dependence. This teaching serves as a reminder that spiritual practices are not about outward appearances but about aligning our hearts with God’s will.
For Christians today, fasting remains a valuable tool for deepening their relationship with God, seeking His guidance, and expressing repentance and humility. As Jesus reminds us, the Father sees what is done in secret and rewards those who seek Him with a sincere heart. May we, as followers of Christ, embrace fasting as a means of drawing closer to God and reflecting His glory in our lives.
“Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning” (Joel 2:12).
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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For Further Reference: A Detailed Study on the Entire Sermon on the Mount
