17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
18 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.
Context and Meaning
This significant passage unfolds during Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, an essential teaching moment where He meticulously outlines the true nature of spiritual disciplines such as fasting. Here, He emphasizes that one’s internal attitude and sincerity are far more important than outward appearances or public acknowledgment.
Instruction to Disciples
In His teachings, Jesus instructs His disciples with clarity and purpose, advising them that if they choose to fast, they should conduct themselves in a manner that does not call attention to their sacrifices. Specifically, He encourages them to maintain their everyday appearance, instructing them to wash their faces and anoint their heads. This is a crucial point; the act of fasting should be a deeply personal endeavor, meant to cultivate a private relationship with God rather than serve as a public spectacle. By suggesting that they keep up their usual grooming, Jesus implies that their spiritual discipline should not be for the eyes of others but should focus entirely on their relationship with the Father.
Contrast with Hypocrites
This powerful teaching follows a stark contrast with the preceding verse (Matthew 6:16), where Jesus openly critiques those whom He labels as "hypocrites." These individuals are described as disfiguring their faces to showcase their piety and generate public sympathy, drawing attention to their fasting as an act of self-righteousness. Jesus makes it unequivocally clear: those who seek human recognition for their righteous acts have already received their reward in full. This serves as a critical reminder that genuine spirituality cannot coexist with the desire for public approval or admiration.
The Promise
Further, Jesus assures His followers that if they choose to undertake their fasting quietly, maintaining discretion, they center their focus squarely on God. The phrase "He that seeth in secret" reveals a beautiful truth about the divine nature of God; He is always aware of our hearts and our intentions, even when no one else is. The promise of God rewarding openly those who fast in secret reinforces the notion that true recognition comes from our Creator rather than from human observers. The reward He speaks of transcends earthly recognition, manifesting in blessings that are far-reaching and profound.
Related Bible Verses on Fasting from the King James Version (KJV)
A broader exploration of the Bible reveals numerous verses related to fasting that reinforce these teachings. Notable passages include:
✅ Matthew 6:16-18 - Again, here Jesus reaffirms His teachings on the behavior of the hypocrites who display sadness to seem pious.
✅ Isaiah 58:3-7 - The people question why their fasting seems unnoticed by God. Yet, Isaiah challenges them to recognize that their behaviors during fasting, including pursuing pleasure and demanding labor from others, contradict the very purpose of fasting.
✅ Joel 2:12 - A call from the LORD to return wholeheartedly with fasting, weeping, and mourning, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in our relationship with God.
✅ Psalms 69:10 - The psalmist reflects on a time of sorrow and fasting, revealing the connection between fasting and deep emotional expression.
✅ Daniel 10:3 - Daniel's commitment to fasting for three weeks highlights the seriousness with which biblical figures approached this practice as a means of seeking God's intervention.
✅ Acts 14:23 - The early church exemplifies the practice of fasting during significant spiritual decisions, showing the enduring relevance of fasting in the life of believers.
✅ Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:2- These verses recount Jesus' own fasting for forty days, showcasing His reliance on spiritual sustenance over physical needs.
✅ 1 Corinthians 7:5 highlights the mutual agreement between spouses for fasting and prayer, underscoring a communal aspect of spiritual disciplines.
✅ Isaiah 58:6 calls for a transformative approach to fasting, one that seeks to dismantle oppression rather than merely abstaining from food for personal piety.
✅ Other significant passages, such as Luke 18:12, Psalms 35:13, Ezra 8:23, and Nehemiah 1:4, further illustrate the diverse motivations and contexts for fasting throughout Scripture.
In conclusion, the instruction regarding fasting from Matthew 6:17-18 is a compelling reminder of the importance of humility, sincerity, and the private nature of true faith practices. Through these teachings and corresponding biblical verses, we are called to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, free from the distractions and validations of the world around us. The promise of divine reward awaits those who follow this path, affirming that God sees our hearts and honors our commitment to Him.
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