Matthew 6:16 –Matthew 6:18 ESV
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
We are told to fast, but what does that really mean and why are we supposed to in the first place?
A quick search finds 19 references to the word Fasting in the English Standard Version. Of the 19 found 10 were in the old Testament and had to do with people mourning and calling out to God.
Now comes the New Testament in Mathew 4:2 when Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights. This is when Satan tempted him and Jesus answered with the word of God. Why was Jesus Fasting? It did show that even after an incredible 40 days of fasting Jesus never wavered and he still used the word of God to counter every temptation brought before him.
Then in Mathew 6:16-18 Jesus tells us to fast in secret. Not to show off to the world that you are so cool, instead make sure that there are no signs that you are fasting, and only God should see.
In Mark 2:18 Jesus is asked why his disciples are not fasting while others were. His answer says that fasting can not be done when in the presence of Jesus and that Jesus will be taken away, and then there will be fasting. Does this mean that while in the presence of Jesus there are no unmet needs? I think so.
My Conclusions…
Fasting is serious business.
Fasting is used to let God know that you are serious in your quest.
There is some sort of reward in Heaven for fasting.
There is more to fasting then I discovered in this very short study.
Things that I have been told…
Use the discomfort of fasting to remind you that you are supposed to be praying.
You can and should fast things that hold you in bondage, not just food. (though this is not specifically mentioned in the bible that I have found.)
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