Matthew 6:16-18

DAYS 46

Dates: 4-6-25

FASTING

Matthew 6:16-18

* Everything with an asterisk and is italicized and purple is my own added words and thoughts and are not part of the actual verse or quote. 

Pray

Read scripture: Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (NIV 1984)

If you recall from a few weeks ago, we said that Matthew 6:1 was the thesis, or summary statement for Matthew chapter 6. It says, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”

This applies especially to:

• Giving
• Prayer
• Fasting

Q: What is fasting?

• Fasting generally is associated with abstaining from food for a time
• Fasting helps us focus more direct attention to God and His presence
• Jesus fasted to start His ministry. 
• John the Baptist’s disciples did fast, while Jesus’ disciples did not fast (until He was crucified)
• Fasting is not commanded in the NT
• Fasting usually goes hand in hand with prayer
• Fasting often-times accompanies mourning
• Fasting in the New Testament is to normally personal (as opposed to being done corporately) 
• Fasting is normally to be done in secret
• Our passage today focuses on the MOTIVE, more than the act of fasting (see page 83 & 84) 

Definition of fasting: The Meaning of the Word. nḗstis means ‘one who has not eaten,’ ‘who is empty,’ then ‘who fasts.’ nēsteúō means ‘to be without food or hungry,’ but mostly ‘to fast.’ The noun nēsteía means ‘suffering hunger,’ usually ‘fasting.’

Fasting in Antiquity. Fasting is found in all religions. It is the temporary abstention from nourishment on religious grounds…

…Fasting also expresses submission to God, whether in the case of individuals (2 Sam. 12:16ff.) or the people (Judg. 20:26 etc.). Prayer accompanies fasting (Jer. 14:12), especially penitential prayer (1 Sam. 7:6). The one who fasts often takes the posture of a mourner (cf. 1 Kgs. 21:27). Fasts last one day (Judg. 20:26); three days in Esth. 4:16. In the seven-day fast of 1 Sam. 31:13 (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament)

Q: According to our passage, how can fasting be abused?

Q: Why is fasting to be done in secret?

Q: What is up with the oil and the face washing?

Q: Have you ever fasted?

Q: Why? Or Why not?

Q:  Do you think fasting is only for food?

What other kinds of fasting might there be?

Q: Why does God reward fasting?

Q: What does the fact that God rewards fasting tell us about fasting?

Q:  Do you think fasting is important?

Why?  Or  Why not?

Q:  What does part does “faith” play in fasting?

Q: What does our book (Holman Commentary) give us a a guiding principle for fasting?

A:  
Short answer: To “seek the reward of God, not the approval of people” 
Our author goes on to apply this principle to our three categories so far in Matthew 6: 1) GIVING, 2) PRAYING and 3) FASTING. 
Full quote: He says, “Again, what is most important is not that we learn specific techniques for fasting, but that we see Jesus’ underlying message (seek the reward of God, not the approval of people) and apply it to every act of righteousness practiced by believers today.”

Q: As we go back and look at the SOM so far, are you beginning to see how, in a variety of ways, Jesus is contrasting righteousness with self-righteousness (or unrighteousness.)

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RELAVANT VERSE(s)

Isaiah 58:6-12
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter —
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
“If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

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NEXT WEEK:

Treasures in Heaven

Matthew 6:19-21

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NNotes:

* Everything with an asterisk and is italicized and purple is my own added words and thoughts and are not part of the actual verse or quote.