Today’s Passage: Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus is still teaching on the mountain. He has already spoken about giving in secret and praying in secret. Now he turns to a third quiet practice, fasting. To fast means to go without food for a time so you can seek God with your whole attention. And once again Jesus asks the same searching question underneath it all. Who are you really doing this for?
As you read, hold this: Fast for the Father’s eyes, not the crowd’s, and He who sees in secret will reward you.
Context Fasting in that world
In Jesus’ day many people fasted, and some did it twice a week. It was a good and normal way to seek God. But some had turned it into a performance. They wore sad faces and left their hair messy so everyone could see how holy they looked. A private gift to God had become a show for the neighbors.
Matthew 6:16 (BSB)
¹⁶ When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
The hypocrites made sure everyone knew they were nēsteuō, pronounced nace-TYOO-oh. Strong's G3522, to fast, go without food. Fasting means going without food for a while to focus on God. It was always meant to be just between you and your Father. Turn it into a show for people, and you lose the real gift. . They wore gloomy faces on purpose. They even let themselves look worn and messy, so that people passing by would notice and be impressed. And people did notice. That was the whole point of it. But Jesus says something sobering. They already have their full reward. A few admiring glances from the crowd is all they will ever get. Once the crowd has clapped, the account is closed. There is nothing left over for God to give.
Matthew 6:17 (BSB)
¹⁷ But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
Then Jesus tells them to do the exact opposite. Wash your face. Put oil on your head, the way you would on any ordinary morning. Look rested and cared for, not miserable. Do not hang a sign around your neck. Do not drop hints. Let the fast stay hidden, a quiet thing between you and God alone.
Matthew 6:18 (BSB)
¹⁸ so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Here is the reason it can stay hidden. Your fast was never meant for people to see. It is for your Father, and your Father is unseen. He does not need a crowd’s help to notice you. He sees exactly what happens in the secret place. The very thing no one else knows about, He knows completely. And He is the One who gives the reward. The eyes of the crowd can hand you a moment of praise. Only the eyes of the Father can give you Himself.
Study notes God looks past the show
- Real fasting is about a heart turning back to God, not a face turned toward people.
"So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster." Joel 2:13 (BSB)
God never asked for a torn robe or a sad face. He asked for a turned heart. Fasting is one way we quietly say to Him, “You are what I want most.”
Personal Application
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When you do something good, whose eyes are you most hoping will notice?
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What would it look like to seek God today in a way no one else can see?
Decision of the day: Do one good thing today that only God will know about. Tell no one. Let it stay a secret between you and your Father.
Pray to Close
The central truth: Fast for the Father’s eyes, not the crowd’s, and He who sees in secret will reward you.
Confess: confess any good you have done mainly to be seen and praised by others.
Ask: ask God to make your heart want Him more than the applause of people.
Yield: give up the need to be noticed. Be content that your Father sees.
Worship for Today
Draw Me Close to You · Kelly Carpenter (Hillsong)
This song is a quiet cry to be near God more than anything else. That longing is the very heart of fasting, wanting the Father Himself and not the crowd’s applause.
Listen: