The verse Matthew 6:18 says “so 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.” This verse comes in the context of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount where he is teaching about practicing righteousness in a way that honors God rather than seeking the praise and approval of people.
There are a few key points we can draw from this verse:
- Jesus expects his followers to fast – Fasting was a common spiritual practice in Judaism and Jesus assumed his disciples would fast, telling them “when you fast…” not “if you fast.”
- Fasting should be done secretly – Jesus cautions against fasting to impress others or draw attention to yourself. True fasting is between you and God.
- God sees even secret fasting – While people may not see your fasting, God sees everything, even that which is done in secret.
- God will reward secret fasting – Jesus promises that the Father will directly reward those who fast secretly with a heart to honor him.
The overall message Jesus communicates is that his followers should fast, but they should do it with the right heart motivation. Rather than fasting to impress people or feel spiritual pride, his disciples should fast with an attitude of honoring God. And when they fast with a sincere heart, Jesus assures that God the Father will see their worship and reward it.
Some key questions about this passage include:
What does Jesus mean by “fasting”?
The practice of fasting in the Bible typically involves abstaining from food for a period of time, usually accompanied by prayer and repentance. Fasting could range from skipping a meal to abstaining from food for days. The purpose was to focus one’s heart on God by setting aside earthly distractions and dependence on food. Fasting was often practiced in times of seeking God, mourning, or repentance.
What kind of reward does God give for fasting in secret?
Jesus does not specify the exact nature of the reward God gives. However, we know from other Scriptures that God is pleased when we honor him with obedient and sincere worship. He promises to draw near to those who draw near to him (James 4:8). He will meet all our needs according to his riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). He will bless those who fear Him (Psalm 112:1). The greatest reward is deepened intimacy with God as we feast on his Word and presence.
Does this mean fasting for spiritual reasons is wrong?
No, Jesus is not condemning fasting itself, but the wrong motivations and attitudes that often accompany it. Spiritual fasting is a beneficial practice that Jesus expected of his followers when done with a sincere heart. The danger is in fasting out of obligation, pride, or seeking human praise instead of to honor and connect with God.
How does one fast “secretly” in today’s world?
In our media-saturated culture, it can be challenging to keep times of fasting truly “secret.” However, we can still honor the spirit of Jesus’ instructions when we fast today by:
- Not boasting about fasting on social media or playing it up to get sympathy or praise from others
- Being careful when around others who do not know you are fasting to not draw attention to the fact
- Choosing private settings for prayer during fasts rather than public displays
- Focusing attention on God rather than trying to impress others with spiritual disciplines
What should be the motivation for fasting today?
As with the first Christians, our motivation for fasting should be to honor, worship and connect with God. We fast to deepen intimacy in our relationship with Christ, heighten our awareness of dependence on God, pray for breakthroughs, seek deliverance, humble ourselves and repent. The attitude of the heart matters more than the physical act. God is concerned with why we fast more than whether we fast.
How can fasting be practiced reverently today without falling into legalism?
It is important today to avoid prescribing fasting legalistically as some mandatory ritual or judging those who do not fast as less spiritual. Fasting should be prompted by a desire to honor God, not obligation. Other spiritual disciplines can be honoring to God when done in sincerity and faith as well. Believers can prayerfully consider incorporating fasting along with giving, serving, worship, studying God’s Word and other practices that focus us on Christ and the Gospel.
Does fasting earn God’s favor and blessings?
No, the Bible is clear that God’s love and salvation cannot be earned through spiritual disciplines or good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Fasting does not obligate God to bless us or reward us. Rewards from God are always the fruit of his grace. However, when fasting is practiced as an act of worship and faith, it can align our hearts more closely with God’s heart and open us to receive more of his blessings.
The ultimate reward for any spiritual discipline is deeper connection and intimacy with Jesus Christ. Any external blessings that may follow are overflow of His grace, not something we earn. God rewards fasting motivated by love and faith, not obligation and pride.
In summary, Matthew 6:18 encourages believers to fast, but to do so as secret worship before God, not as public displays to impress people. When motivated by sincere devotion, God sees and values these private acts of sacrifice. He promises to bless those who diligently seek Him and worship Him in spirit and truth.