Matthew 6:16-18. Fasting.

"'And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you"



I note that this verse starts with a presumption that Jesus' followers will fast. Now it is possible that this was only addressed to those who were pysically present to hear these words and not meant for the post-Resurrection situation. However, since Matthew was written after the Resurrection it is hard to beleive that he would [or that God would have inspired him to] write this down if it was of only historical interest to post-Ascension disciples; it's there because it is for us. JEsus expected that we might fast.



Same rules apply in fasting as with other acts of piety: doing it so others will see and admire brings its own reward: others will see and admire. Full stop. God is not impressed. But as an act of devtion to God for God; fine. Its the motive that's important.



Incidently, it seems to me that this does not rule out, for example, leaving an Ash Wednesday cross on your forehead -provided it's done with a view, for example, to eliciting comment that might help people hear more of Christ [not much value however, if all it does is get you some kind of kudos or the talk revolves around simply the forms of service, for example]. That's a circumstance that is not within the purview of this bit of teaching. Similarly the idea of fasting to draw attention to some issue in the wider world -but remember; it doesn't make us right with God thougn it may sometimes be a working out of our rightness with God into action in the world.



I'm wondering however what is the value of fasting in relation to God? It won't make God love us more, it won't 'force' God to grant a request that otherwise He won't ... the effects must be about what it does to us, surely. This would be things like ... demonstrating to ourselves before God our seriousness about God or some issue we are praying about .... achieving clarity ... growing in self-discipline ... solidarity with others [or even with Christ, as in fasting in Lent to mark the 40 days in the wilderness or on Good Friday to mark Christ's suffering] ... Testimony indicates that God sometimes uses fasting to bring revelation or spiritual growth. However, we should remember that to do so is God's gracious gift not something our fasting can 'buy'. Fasting should be something that we feel led into not a supernatural bargaining chip.



A ntoe too that fasting should be undertaken with care for the physical body too, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit. So medical advice should be heeded and care about such things as caffeine withdrawal and [after longer fasts] reintroduction of foods. Partial fasts can be helpful too; the vegan fast of eastern Orthodoxy in Lent is worth noting as an example.



Crosswalk.com - Matthew 6:16-18: