Matthew 6:16 - Meaning and Application

We are warned here against hypocrisy in fasting, just as we were before in almsgiving and prayer.

First, the passage assumes that religious fasting is a duty Christ’s disciples may be called to practice, when God’s providence calls for it or when their own souls need it. Jesus had already said, “When the bridegroom is taken away, then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15). Fasting is mentioned last because it is not mainly a duty for its own sake, but a means that helps us prepare for other duties. Prayer is placed between almsgiving and fasting because it is the life and soul of both.

Christ is speaking especially about private fasts, the kind people set for themselves as freewill acts of devotion. Among the more serious Jews, some fasted one day each week, some two, and some less often as they saw fit. On those days they did not eat until sunset, and then only sparingly. It was not the Pharisee’s fasting twice a week that Christ condemned, but his boasting about it (Luke 18:12). This is a good practice, and it is sad that Christians have so widely neglected it. Anna was much given to fasting (Luke 2:37). Cornelius fasted and prayed (Acts 10:30). The first Christians also fasted often (Acts 13:3; Acts 14:23). Private fasting is also assumed in (1 Corinthians 7:5).

Fasting is an act of self-denial and a way of putting the body to death in its sinful desires. It is a holy way of correcting ourselves and humbling ourselves under God’s hand. Even mature Christians should learn by it that they have nothing to boast about and are not worthy of their daily bread. Fasting helps hold back the flesh and its cravings, and it makes us more alert in worship. A full stomach often makes people sleepy. Paul often fasted, and in that way he kept his body under control and made it obey him.

Second, we are warned not to fast like the hypocrites, or we will lose the reward of it. And the harder the duty is, the greater the loss when its reward is lost.

The hypocrites acted as if they were fasting when they had no real sorrow for sin and no real humility of heart, which is the life of the duty. Their fasts were make-believe, only the outward display without the inward truth. They acted as if they were more humbled than they really were, and in that way tried to deceive God, which is a terrible insult to him. The fast God has chosen is one that afflicts the soul. It is not just hanging the head or putting on sackcloth and ashes. We are badly mistaken if we call that a fast (Isaiah 58:5). If bodily exercise is all there is, it is of little value, because that is not fasting to God, or to him alone.

They also made sure everyone noticed when they were fasting. On those days they went out in public when they should have been in private. They put on sad looks, an unhappy face, and a slow, solemn walk. They made themselves look worn and miserable so people would see how often they fasted and praise them as devout and disciplined men. It is sad when people who have, in some measure, overcome physical pleasure, which is sinful in the body, are ruined by pride, which is sinful in the spirit and no less dangerous. Here again, they got the reward they wanted, the praise and applause of people. They got it, and that was all they had.

Third, we are told how to carry out a private fast, and that is to keep it private (Matthew 6:17-18). Christ does not tell us how often we must fast, because circumstances differ, and wisdom should guide us. The Holy Spirit in Scripture has left that to the Spirit working in the heart. But this rule stands: whenever you fast, aim to please God, not to win human approval. Humility must always go with humiliation.

Christ does not tell us to weaken the reality of fasting. He does not say to eat a little, drink a little, or take some comfort to make it easier. No, let the body feel the loss, but hide the outward display of it. Keep your usual face, clothing, and appearance. While you deny yourself bodily food, do it in a way that keeps others from noticing, even those closest to you. Look normal, anoint your head, and wash your face, as on ordinary days, so that your devotion stays hidden. Then you will not lose the praise of it in the end, for though men do not see it, God will reward it.

Fasting is the humbling of the soul (Psalm 35:13), and that is the inward part of the duty. That should be your main concern. For the outward part, do not seek attention. If we are sincere in our solemn fasts, truly humble, and trust God’s all-knowing sight for our witness and his goodness for our reward, we will find that he sees in secret and will reward openly. Rightly kept religious fasts will soon be answered by an everlasting feast.

Our acceptance with God in private fasting should make us dead to the praise of people, since we must not do the duty hoping for it. It should also make us dead to the criticism of people, since we must not leave the duty out for fear of it. David’s fasting was used against him as a reproach (Psalm 69:10), and yet he could still say, “As for me, let them say what they will of me, my prayer is unto thee in an acceptable time” (Psalm 69:13).