Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 6:16-18
Matthew 6:16-18
In this brief teaching on fasting, Jesus reveals how his disciples can embrace this practice in a way that connects them to their Father. Fasting, as Jesus implies here, was beginning to be practiced in self-seeking ways by the religious leaders. Notice, however, that Jesus does not abolish this practice, but instead gives us the instruction and freedom to practice it well.
First, let’s take a look at fasting in Jewish culture, which is what the original audience of this teaching would have had in mind.
First, fasting was required by the Torah as a discipline prior to “the Day of Atonement.” On this day, the Jewish people would confess and repent of their sins, and the high priest would make sacrifices on behalf of the people in order to reconcile them to God. Removing food for a period of time was implemented to help them prepare for this day.
Additionally, fasting was practiced as a voluntary response to a significant event, usually one that was grievous or unjust. For example, in the book of 1 Samuel, Hannah “wept and did not eat” out of grief for not being able to have a child. And Jesus himself fasted in the wilderness as a way to seek God in the midst of temptation and evil.
Overtime, “the hypocrites” began to practice fasting to gain the attention and respect of others, rather than to turn their attention towards God in the middle of brokenness. Jesus clearly condemns this hypocrisy, but does not condemn the practice of fasting as the Hebrews thought of it. In fact, He says “when you fast,” implying that it is something that his disciples, whether Jewish or Gentiles, will continue to do.
Richard Foster defines fasting as, “the voluntary denial of an otherwise normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity.” Foster likely leaves this idea of “spiritual activity” ambiguous because each of us has different spiritual needs that require fasting. Throughout scripture and church history, people have fasted as an act of repentance, to lament, to practice self denial, or to generate compassion to those who are suffering. Our motivations for fasting will likely change from season to season, as well - Jesus teaches no specific rule like the hypocrites did. But whatever our reason for fasting, it is a practice that should be central to our discipleship to Jesus.
Starting (or restarting) the practice of fasting can be daunting. Keep in mind, the fasting that Jesus is talking about here is specifically fasting from food. Ceasing to indulge or use other things such as media, TV, etc. is simply abstinence, and not exactly what Jesus is addressing here. A good way to start is to identify a motivation. Jesus' warning is specifically against fasting for the approval or recognition of others, so as we practice it, we must identify a motivation centered on the reward of seeking our Father. Here are some questions to reflect on as you implement fasting:
Do you struggle with sins or lust, greed, gluttony, or another unrighteous desire? Fasting will help you to practice denying yourself and your flesh and instead welcome the desires of God.
Are you grieving, beaten down, or unable to find rest? Fasting could be an appropriate response to the suffering you feel. As you hunger for food, you will be reminded to seek God in this suffering.
Do you need to repent of sin? Just as the Hebrews would fast to help them identify their brokenness and need for God before the Day of Atonement, fasting will help you recognize your need for God and His grace. Going without food in order to spend time processing your sin and depend on God will help you repent and believe deeply.
Do you struggle to have compassion for others? Does your heart break for brokenness in the world? Practicing fasting can help you enter the heart of God for those who are hungry and suffering.
As disciples of Jesus, we know that our stomach and our flesh are not our masters, Jesus is. Withholding from food regularly helps us to remember this truth. Self denial is an ordinary part of the Christian life, just as Jesus modeled for us in his life and in his death. We have the opportunity to seek him through practicing this self-denial by fasting. It is difficult, and much of the time, you might feel more grumpy than spiritual. Remember, fasting is a practice and process. Start with where you are at. As you practice fasting regularly, over the years you will find yourself more inclined to deny your flesh, seek God, have empathy, and suffer well.
