FAST NOT AS THE HYPOCRITES

Matthew 6:16-18 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Here, Jesus gives us another example of the right and wrong way to observe acts of righteousness. The sinful manner of performing righteous deeds to be seen of others also applies here. Fasting is mentioned, along with prayer, as a demonstration of faith and as a means of soliciting the intervention of God in times of distress and grief -in times of deep, sincere repentance of sinfulness, or in times when an appeal is made to God for divine guidance in accomplishing good deeds during one's lifetime. Certainly, we know that Jesus, Himself fasted forty days and nights before His temptation (Matt. 4:2). Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary includes these incidents of fasting, as found in New Testament teachings. "Cornelius was fasting at the time of his vision (Acts 10:30). The church in Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent Paul and Barnabas off on the first missionary journey with fasting and prayer (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas prayed with fasting at the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23).

Fasting both in biblical days, as well as now, when entered into with the proper spirit, can be spiritually beneficial, is sanctioned by holy scripture, and is blessed by God when performed for the right purposes. However, it is not to be done as the hypocrites, by putting on a sad countenance, or by disfiguring their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. There is no spiritual reward in fasting, under false pretences. The only reward for hypocritical piety is receiving the earthly praise of one's fellow men. Jesus condemned those that fasted for personal praise (Matt. 9:14-17, 11:18-19). He also approved fasting for the right purposes (Matt. 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-29).

The Bible has many instances of those putting on a sad countenance by dressing in sackcloth, sitting in ashes, and putting dirt upon their heads, as pretence, in order to be seen of others and considered to be highly religious. It is this hypocritical act of fasting that Jesus condemns in the lesson text. Here area few quotations telling us of fasting for the right purpose. Paul suggested that, in times of separation, husbands and wives give themselves to fasting and prayer, and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency (1 Cor. 7:5).Paul also confessed to fasting often during his personal ministry as a sign of his dedication to God and to the cause of Christ (See 2 Cor. 6:5, 11:27). In the act of fasting, or whatever other acts of worship and devotion to God that are sanctioned in the New Testament, Paul says that we are required to do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ (Col. 3:23-24).

Just as the natural body of mankind has much less desire for food and nourishment during times of trials, sorrow, and suffering, so the spiritual body should be given to fasting when the soul of mankind is filled with sorrow because of the oppression of sin. In this spiritually depraved condition, there is no desire for feasting, merry-making, and gaiety in one's life. Neither is it appropriate in the sight of God. Fasting demonstrates the humble nature that is naturally expressed during times of physical calamities. It also expresses the humility of an individual during periods of penance when one recognizes the degradation resulting from sinful disobedience to the will of God.

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face. These were the normal things a person did daily regarding their attire and cleanliness. In other words, when you fast, appear to others as you normally do. Don't change your countenance, facial expressions, clothing, or posture to demonstrate your fasting to those around you. Let your fasting be known only between yourself and God. After all, fasting is your personal demonstration of faith, commitment, and obedience to God. To express it for any other reason is hypocritical and without any spiritual value. Let your fasting be done in secret, and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.