TEXT: Matthew 6:16-18

SUBJECT: Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount #15: Motivation in Fasting

These words bring the first paragraph of chapter six to a close. The subject is "religious motivation". Both the Pharisees and the Lord's people "do righteous deeds". The former "to be seen of men"; the latter to be seen of God. Three examples follow: charity, prayer, and fasting. Tonight's subject is "motivation in fasting".

Let's begin by defining the term. What is "fasting"? That's easy: to fast means "to not eat". People, of course, "fast" for more than one reason: some because they have no food; others because of health problems; many others to lose weight. But the fasting of which our Lord spoke has nothing to do with poverty, illness, or obesity. It is a spiritual act.

What does it signify? Fasting appears throughout the Old Testament and in various settings. In Psalm 35:13, it is token of humility: "...I humbled myself with fasting". Elsewhere, it speaks of remorse. Upon hearing Jonah's preaching, "the people of Nineveh believed God and proclaimed a fast..." It often accompanies fervent prayer. When Hannah sought a son, she "wept and would not eat..." Esther made her fateful decision only after "three days of fasting". Fasting, therefore, was a sign of one's special devotion to God.

This meaning is carried over into the New Testament. The Early Church, for example, appointed elders and missionaries only after a time of "fasting and prayer".

With the preliminaries out of the way, let's turn to the text itself. The Lord begins: "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward".

The serious-minded hypocrite fasted every Monday and Thursday. You recall the Pharisee who "thanked God...`I fast twice a week'". There was nothing wrong with the fasting itself. Had the man devoted himself more fully to the Lord those two days, he would have been the better for it. But, of course, he didn't. He fasted so that he would "appear to men to be fasting". Just to be sure that no one missed his "devotion", he would "disfigure his face". Ashes were applied to give the "sunken eyes, hollow cheeks" look bespoke deep piety. Combined with his unkept hair, audible groans, and staggering gait, he gave the impression of a man so devoted to God that he had forgotten himself.

For his trouble, the man was amply repaid. Those who saw him "oohed" and "aahed" at his appearance; they spoke of him in glowing terms; they hoped their sons would grow up to be like him. He had his reward--but it wasn't from God.

The Savior would have His people fast very differently than the hypocrite. "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly".

Instead of "disfiguring (his) face", the believer must "anoint (his) head and wash (his) face..." These words have nothing to do with personal hygiene. What they mean is this: Our devotion to God must be to God--and not for the admiration of men!

This brings up an important question: Is the believer, under the New Covenant, obliged to fast? The answer is "no". But neither is he forbidden. If he chooses to fast--he's in good company, the Lord Jesus, for example. But if not, he's still pleasing to God. Thus, it doesn't matter whether you fast or not. But, it matters very much how you fast--or otherwise express your devotion to God.

What are today's versions of "fasting"?

Religious insignia is one of them. Is it holy to wear a cross around your neck? No. Is it wrong? No. It doesn't matter. But why you wear it does. If it is to recall the Lord Jesus, it is good. If it is to be thought of as "deeply religious", it is bad.

Clothing is another example. Is old, drab clothing sinful? Of course not. But if it's worn to give the impression that you are modest, frugal, and "content with what you have", it becomes sinful. It is a form of exhibitionism.

Even the Bible can be misused. Is it wrong to carry a Bible to work or school? No; it is very good. But if you carry a Bible to be thought of as "holier than thou", then even that can become a snare.

The same is true of praying in public places, handing out tracts, and others examples I can't think of at the moment. I would encourage you to do these things, of course--but not "to be seen of men".

We would do well, therefore, to examine our motives. Are we living for the glory of God or for the praise of men? Are we living for the glory of God or for the praise of self? Only the praise of God matters in the end. And now.

May God make us a people of integrity. For Christ's sake. Amen.