Matthew 6:16-18 (NKJV)

16 “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. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 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.

SERMON ON THE MOUNT:FASTING: THE FORGOTTEN PRACTICE

Matthew 6:16-18

SOM: Fasting

We continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7

We find ourselves in the midst of chapter 6 this week

Over the last few weeks we have studied the words of Jesus on the subjects of charitable deeds and prayer

SOM: Fasting

Jesus has compared the way He expects us to do these things to the “empty posturing of the scribes and Pharisees” (Earnhart p. 102)

We can certainly see a clear distinction in the acts of the hypocrites vs. doing these deeds in private with a sincere heart

SOM: Fasting

Now, in verses 16-18, Jesus moves on to the 3rd example of how we are to show our true and sincere devotion to God and His will

He now switches to the subject of fasting, an often misunderstood and forgotten practice in today’s religious world

SOM: Fasting

1. History of Fasting

Fasting was a common religious act among the Jews in the OT times as well as the times of Christ

When we go back to the Old Testament we see fasting mentioned as well as some clues as to when and why it was done

SOM: Fasting

1. History of Fasting

Fasting was at times a public thing (Zech 8:19) and at times a private thing (II Sam. 12:16, 21)

Fasting was normally practiced in times of great spiritual need and crisis (II Chron. 20:3; Ezra 8:21; Neh. 9:1)

SOM: Fasting

1. History of Fasting

It had become something that the Pharisees did quite often, and thought well of themselves for doing (Lk. 18:12)

Fasting normally consisted of withholding food from oneself, as well as putting on the appearance of fasting such as not bathing and wearing sackcloth and ashes

SOM: Fasting

1. History of Fasting

Unfortunately, their fasting for the most part had turned into somewhat of a show

This was questioned by God both in Isaiah 58:4 as well as in Zechariah 7:5

So we can understand perhaps where Jesus is coming from as He speaks here in Matthew 6

SOM: Fasting

2. Rule of Fasting

What exactly was the rule for fasting?

There were commands under the Old Law for fasting

The one that we notice was attached to the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29-31)

“Afflicting your souls” was a reference to fasting

SOM: Fasting

2. Rule of Fasting

The NT contains no direct command or requirement for you and I to fast

However, look at the language that Jesus uses here…

“Moreover, when you fast…”

This is the same type language used with good deeds and prayer

SOM: Fasting

2. Rule of Fasting

Certainly, there are no other commands given in the NT concerning fasting

However, we do see examples of this being done in the book of Acts, on special spiritual occasions (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23)

Even Christ was criticized for not fasting (Matt. 9:14-15; Mk. 2:18-20)

SOM: Fasting

3. Manner of Fasting

Jesus concentrates mostly on the manner of fasting here in our passage of consideration

In other words, when we do fast, Jesus is telling us how we should go about it

Once again, we are told not to be like the hypocrites (actors)

SOM: Fasting

3. Manner of Fasting

It’s not that they appear sad (which probably comes natural for an occasion to fast)

The problem is that they “disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting”

Again, their aim is to gain praise from men

SOM: Fasting

3. Manner of Fasting

Jesus says that if that is what they want, then “they have their reward”

Now Jesus says that to be unlike the hypocrites, one is to anoint their head and wash their face

This takes away the appearance of fasting before men

SOM: Fasting

3. Manner of Fasting

If one is truly sincere about fasting, then they only need to have God see them fast

When God sees them (and He will see) He will reward them openly for their devotion to Him and His will

Again this assures that what we do (deeds, prayer, fasting), we do for the right reasons