Day 11 - Matthew 6:16-18

A Fasted Journey for Spiritual Renewal

Day 11

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 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.” Matthew 6:16-18

This passage remains on my mind as I persist into this fast. Who knows, I may even revisit it more going forward. I’ve studied it a bit further while sitting on airplanes lately.

In part two of a series on this passage, John MacArthur says, “I’ve been saying all along fast when your heart calls for a fast. And your heart should call for a fast if you’re really consecrated to God. And when you do, you’re moving into God’s sphere of blessing. But remember don’t make a public display out of it and don’t do it to impress somebody. Then you’ve crossed the line. You’ve done it for men. I’ve had people even go that far in spite of what Scripture says and say, “I’m fasting. Well, you have your reward. You just got it. I know you’re fasting. You’re paid in full. God owes you nothing.

“That’s not the kind of fasting God’s after. Don’t do it for the sake of men. Don’t decorate your face with ashes for the sake of men so people can see how spiritual you are. You know, there are some times in my own life when I will be fasting and not really wanting to eat. But because I’m in a situation where I have to, I will go ahead and do it rather than make a speech about my fasting. And I hope the Lord understands that. I’m sure He does. And He will in your case too.”

As some of you may know, I have greatly appreciated John MacArthur’s ministry. I have the MacArthur Study Bible. He’s one of my often cited resources. That being said, it seems that he is inserting something into the text that isn’t actually in the text. He says even if you say you are fasting, that is tantamount to being like the hypocrites.

I think that is plainly wrong when you consider when and where fasting is mentioned in the Bible. If Jesus didn’t tell people that he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, how did Matthew, Mark, and Luke all decide to include it in their Gospels? If Moses was alone with God on Mount Sinai when he etched the 10 Commandments, how would we have ever known that he also fasted for 40 days? Many biblical scholars point to Exodus being authored by Moses. So since he talked about his fasting, he must have gotten his reward, right? Jesus too then; and Elijah since his 40 day fast is also mentioned so he must have told people.

Other examples of fasting, some of which have been the passage for previous days of this journal also indicate that speaking about it was common; otherwise how would anyone have known that fasting was taking place? MacArthur went on to say that he will cease his fast, which is between him and the Lord, rather than “make a speech about [his] fasting.” No one is saying you have to make a speech, in fact, don’t. But if the Lord has placed it on you to fast, why would you forsake that for man instead of saying, “I’m not hungry,” or even, “I’m fasting.”

Just as the Lord understands that, in MacArthur’s case, choosing to cease his fast is acceptable, so too He will understand if you are in a situation where people can see that you aren’t eating or even if you say, “I’m fasting.”

I am not a medical professional. This journal is about my spiritual path and about that which the Lord has placed on me. This is not medical advice, nor was this fast done for any medical purpose. If you have a medical interest, seek medical advice. If you have particular health concerns, seek medical advice and/or conduct your own research. Any fasting advice, effects, realizations or anything else related to my fast come from my personal reflection and experience. If you are considering fasting, consulting with a healthcare provider may be appropriate for you.