16 “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. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18 NIV)
Fasting
We are cautioned against hypocrisy in fasting, as before in almsgiving and prayer. Religious fasting is a duty required of Christ’s disciples when God calls for it or when the state of their souls requires it. “When the bridegroom is taken away, then shall they fast” (Mt 9:15). Fasting is placed last because it is not a duty for its own sake but a means to prepare us for other duties. Prayer is central, connecting almsgiving and fasting, as it gives life to both. Christ speaks especially of private fasts, which pious Jews often practiced voluntarily—some fasting once or twice a week, others as needed. In those days, they abstained from food until sunset and ate sparingly.
The Pharisee’s fault was not fasting twice a week but boasting about it (Luke 18:12). It is a commendable practice, though largely neglected among Christians. Anna was devoted to fasting (Luke 2:37). Cornelius combined fasting with prayer (Acts 10:30). The early Christians frequently fasted (Acts 13:3; Acts 14:23), and private fasting is acknowledged in 1 Corinthians 7:5. It is an act of self-denial, humbling us before God, curbing the desires of the flesh, and making us more spiritually alert. Paul practiced fasting often to discipline his body (1Co 9:27).
We are warned not to fast as the hypocrites do, lest we lose the reward of it.
- False Fasting – Hypocrites pretended to fast but lacked true contrition and humility. Their fasts were outward displays without inner substance. The fast that God desires is to afflict the soul, not just to adopt a sad appearance (Is 58:5). Mere bodily exercise profits little if the heart is not engaged.
- Seeking Public Recognition – They advertised their fasting by appearing in public with downcast looks and solemn expressions so others would notice and admire them. It is tragic when people, having conquered sensual indulgence, are ruined by spiritual pride. Their reward is the praise of men, which they seek and receive, but that is all they gain.
As a proper way to fast, Jesus instructs us to keep private fasts truly private (Mt 6:17-18). He does not specify how often to fast—that depends on circumstances and wisdom—but whenever we fast, we must do it to please God, not to gain human approval. Humility must accompany our self-denial. Christ does not suggest reducing the rigor of fasting; rather, He advises against outward displays of suffering. Instead, we should maintain our usual appearance, grooming ourselves as on ordinary days, to conceal our devotion. Though unnoticed by men, our fasting will be seen and rewarded by God.
Fasting is the humbling of the soul (Ps 35:13); that is its essence. Let this be our chief concern while avoiding outward displays. If we are sincere in our fasts, trusting in God’s omniscience as our witness and His goodness as our reward, we will find that He sees in secret and will reward us openly. True fasting, rightly observed, will be repaid with an everlasting feast. Our acceptance with God should make us indifferent to human praise or criticism. Though David’s fasting became a reproach (Ps 69:10), he remained steadfast: “As for me, my prayer is unto thee in an acceptable time” (Ps 69:13).