Concise Bible Commentary:
Matthew
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Explanation: In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus continues his denunciation of hypocritical religion and focuses on fasting. According to Jesus, the hypocrites fast publicly and will disfigure their appearance to draw attention to themselves, whereas the people of God fast privately and without anyone knowing it. The hypocrites fast to be seen by others and to be recognised for their piety, whereas the people of God fast knowing that they are seen by God and to glorify God. The hypocrites have their reward with people on earth (human approval), whereas the people of God have their reward with God in heaven (God’s approval). In summary, fasting should be a sincere and somewhat secret act that moves a person deeper into the will and purposes of God.
Application: As well as fasting being sincere and somewhat secretive, Jesus also taught that fasting should be sustained and synchronised with a person’s wider lifestyle and devotion to God. In Matthew 17:14-21, the disciples ask Jesus why they were unable to cast out a demon, and Jesus responds by saying that some demons come out only through prayer and fasting. In other words, the disciples were unable to access the power of God to eliminate the demon because their lives were not filled with prayer and fasting. This shows that by neglecting prayer and fasting, and when prayer and fasting are not coupled with repentance (the abandonment of sin), the visible manifestation of God’s power will be limited in a person’s life and at times unavailable. Fasting is therefore a gateway to great spiritual power when it is done regularly and with the intent to please God in all aspects of life.
It is important to note that although Jesus expects Christians to fast, Jesus does not outline how or when a person should fast. This means that Christians have the freedom to determine the method and duration of their fasting. In a strict sense, fasting is abstaining from food or drink (or both) for a specific time. In a wider sense, fasting is abstaining from a specific thing, for a specific reason and for a specific time. Follow the guidelines of Jesus when fasting (sincere, secret, sustained and synchronised) and be creative as you incorporate this important discipline into your identity as a Christian. By so doing, you will move deeper into the will and power of God.