“Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
Jesus turns from prayer to another spiritual discipline: fasting. In His day, religious leaders often used fasting as a way to display their spirituality to others. They would put on gloomy expressions, neglect basic grooming, and make sure everyone knew how “spiritual” they were being.
But Jesus redirects fasting away from public praise and back to its true purpose—a private act of humility that draws us closer to God. He instructs His followers to fast in such a way that no one even notices. When we fast, it is not to win admiration but to give God our undivided attention.
Fasting is a way of saying, “Lord, You matter more than my comfort. I want You more than food.” It quiets the flesh so we can listen more clearly to the Spirit. And when fasting is done for God rather than for people, Jesus promises that “your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Why It Matters
Fasting may be ignored or misunderstood in our time, but Jesus assumes His followers will practice it—“When you fast…” not “If you fast…” This teaching matters because:
- It purifies our motives. Fasting exposes whether we want God’s attention or people’s approval.
- It deepens spiritual hunger. As we deny the body, our spirit becomes more aware of God’s presence and voice.
- It cultivates humility. Fasting reminds us of our dependency and weakness—and God’s sufficiency.
- It trains our desires. We learn to say “no” to lesser things so we can say “yes” more fully to God.
- It invites God’s reward. Jesus promises that private devotion never goes unnoticed by the Father.
Fasting is not about misery—it is about focus. It is not about proving holiness—it is about pursuing God with intentionality and sincerity.
A Prayer for Today
Father, teach me the gift of fasting. Help me let go of distractions so I can seek You with a clearer heart. Purify my motives and draw me closer to You in the secret place. As I humble myself before You, strengthen my spirit, align my desires with Your will, and reveal Yourself in deeper ways. Amen.
Questions to Guide Your Reflection
- How have I understood or practiced fasting in the past?
- What motives might hinder me from fasting in a God-centered way?
- What area of my life needs greater spiritual focus or surrender right now?
- When can I set aside time this week or month for a private fast before God?
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