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Matthew 6:16-17 provides direct instruction from Jesus regarding the practice of fasting, emphasizing the motive and manner in which it should be undertaken. Jesus condemns outward displays of piety designed to gain human approval, instead advocating for a private, sincere devotion to God. This passage is not a command to fast, but rather instruction on how to fast if one chooses to do so, placing the focus squarely on the heart's posture before God.
Jesus explicitly states, "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." (Matthew 6:16). The "hypocrites" here are those who perform religious acts for public acclaim. Their reward, Jesus says, is the fleeting praise of men, and they will receive no further reward from God. True fasting is an intimate act between an individual and God, not a public performance. As Mike Winger often emphasizes in his teachings on biblical practices, the heart behind the action is paramount to God.
In stark contrast to the hypocrites, Jesus instructs, "But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:17-18). This command to anoint one's head and wash one's face signifies maintaining a normal, cheerful appearance, rather than drawing attention to one's self-denial. The purpose is to ensure that the act of fasting remains a private devotion, known only to God. This principle extends beyond fasting to all acts of piety, as seen in the preceding verses on giving and prayer.
For the believer today, Matthew 6:16-18 calls for a radical re-evaluation of our spiritual disciplines. When you choose to fast, whether from food, media, or other comforts, your primary aim must be to draw closer to God, not to impress others or gain spiritual merit in their eyes. This passage encourages sincere, humble devotion over outward show. It reminds us that God sees the heart and rewards genuine faith and obedience. Fasting, when practiced biblically, is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, self-denial, and seeking God's face, but its efficacy is tied directly to the purity of its intention.
Embrace the disciplines of faith with a heart fixed on pleasing God alone, for He is the one who sees in secret and rewards openly. As it is written in 1 Samuel 16:7, "for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."
"But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;"
"That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven."
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."