The tradition of fasting is actually not something foreign in the practice of Christian spirituality. In church history, this practice is well documented as something that is commonly done. Even today, several church denominations also live the tradition of fasting. On the one hand, there is much confusion among Christians today about the right and biblical way to fast. Our text today provides basic principles in the fasting that we do.

In line with Christ's advice in the previous passage, we can find a warning not to use fasting as a means to boast. Fasting is a spiritual practice that has strong roots in the Jewish religious tradition, both in the Old and New Testaments. In practice, in addition to the obligation to fast (1 day) on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-31; 23:32-37; Numbers 29:7), the Jews added days of fasting voluntarily (Matthew 9:14; Luke 2:37). Jesus taught his disciples to make fasting a sincere spiritual response, not just a routine or a means to seek human approval.

Jesus warned his disciples not to imitate the hypocritical attitude of the scribes and Pharisees. They fasted with a ‘gloomy face’ and deliberately ‘changed their countenance’ to attract the attention of others (verse 16). In the Pharisaic tradition, fasting was done twice a week, on Monday and Thursday. On those days they did not eat or drink, did not bathe, and did not even dress up. Jesus emphasized that those who fasted in this way “have received their reward,” namely human praise, which has no value before God. Instead, Jesus taught that fasting should be done in a way that is not conspicuous. He said, “But when you fast, oil your head and wash your face,” (verse 17). Oiling and washing the face are symbols of the daily body care that people usually do whether they are fasting or not. In other words, Jesus encouraged his disciples to keep fasting a private matter between them and God. Jesus raised the essence of fasting as an act of worship directed to God, not to man. God who sees in secret will give true and eternal grace (verse 18). This practice emphasizes the relationship between man and God, where fasting becomes a means to seek His presence, not worldly popularity or honor.

Bible friends, we are reminded again that all spiritual disciplines that we do, including fasting, can be done with a pure heart and directed to Him. Let worship and all spiritual disciplines that we do become a very personal act between us and God. Isn't that ultimately the ultimate goal of all our worship? Namely, maintaining a relationship with God. The temptation to make this a means to appear pious will always be there and sometimes very strong, so let's ask for God's wisdom, so that the worship, prayer, service, and fasting that we do become an offering to God and a form of gratitude for His salvation.