When you fast
Today's focusJesus assumes his followers will fast, and teaches them to do it quietly before the Father, not to be seen by others.
Read
16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Reflection
Jesus begins this teaching with the words, "when ye fast." He does not speak of fasting as a distant possibility, but as a natural part of your life with God. However, he cautions against the desire to be noticed by others. When people "disfigure their faces" or carry a "sad countenance" to show they are sacrificing, they have already received their full reward in the form of human praise. This outward show creates a barrier between the heart and God.
Instead, Jesus invites you to a quiet, personal devotion. He tells you to "anoint thine head, and wash thy face" so that your outward appearance looks no different than any other day. The goal is to "appear not unto men to fast," but to focus entirely on "thy Father which is in secret." By keeping your fast private, you protect the sincerity of your worship. You can trust that your Father, who "seeth in secret," knows your heart and will provide the reward that truly matters.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Why might you want to fast, and how could you keep it a quiet matter between you and your Father?
Pray
Father, you see in secret. Help me seek you sincerely and not to impress anyone. Draw me closer to you as I practise self-denial for your sake.