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.
Matthew 6:16-18, NKJV
Did you ever wonder who the hypocrites were that Jesus was talking about or why he called them hypocrites? In most cases he was talking about the Pharisees. There were regular fast times (Leviticus 16:29-31) however, the Pharisees added two fast days that God did not command, Monday and Thursday of each week, as a case of public display and piety. Luke 18:9-14 even mentions these two days of fasting. The Pharisees regarded the practice of fasting as praiseworthy and appeared in the synagogues with sad looks on their faces and wearing mourning garb. They did this to make a point to the people that their “righteousness” and piety was far superior to everyone else.
Jesus said in response to the Pharisees actions to “anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting.” Fasting therefore, is a private issue between you and God. The only fast God commanded as a public display, was once a year on the Day of Atonement. People did fast privately, but it was between them and God. Such as when Jesus fasted when he was in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:1-11). So why fast at all? What was the point of it? Did God answer the prayers of those who fasted more quickly than over those who did not? Was it some kind of "secret" that got God's attention quicker? For some people, yes it was. Just listen to what God says about those who fasted to gain something from Him. "Cry aloud, spare not;
When it gets right down to it, God sees the heart of everyone. He knows our motives before we even open our mouths or set out to do anything. The Israelites made a point of letting God know that they were a nation who obeyed His laws and took delight in approaching Him. They reminded God of "how great they were" and in the next breath, complained that they didn't get what they wanted after they "afflicted their souls" (fasted). Truly their hearts were not in the right place. They were like the Pharisee whom Jesus spoke of in Luke 18:9-14, who bragged to God about how great his deeds were and then expected God to honour him for them.
But what is true fasting all about? This is what God says fasting should look like: “Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
Jesus carried this teaching through to his disciples. He wanted to see a change of character in those who followed him. He taught the need of purity and simplicity of motive in our fasting. Yes, there were times when fasting was needed (Mark 9:25-29) and yes, private fasts were observed by Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11) and his disciples. Paul fasted to seek God's guidance (Acts 14:23). But true fasting is about putting the needs of others before your own - to feed the hungry, to house the poor, to clothe the naked, to help those less fortunate. If you can only afford one meal, then deny yourself and give that meal to a homeless person. That is true fasting. Denying oneself food for a day in order to elevate yourself spiritually has no value. The value comes when you truly deny yourself for the sake of another, not so that you can be edified, but so that someone else can be. That's true fasting and it falls in line in regard to what Jesus taught us about denying ourselves (Luke 9:23) and loving others (John 13:34).
Today is Monday Meditations – Please link your faith-based posts below.
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2 Comments
9/19/2016 12:51:22 pm
I always enjoy thinking about Isaiah 58 -- so many good promises and also guidance for our worship. Interesting to compare Jesus' words on fasting in Matthew 6 with these words!
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9/28/2016 07:16:59 am
Great post Laura! I've included it in my biweekly newsletter. I pray many people are blessed by it.
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