Seen by your Father
Today's focusJesus teaches that fasting is not a performance to impress others; we fast before our Father who sees in secret.
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
When you begin a fast, you might feel the weight of the sacrifice in your body or your spirit. Jesus understands this, but He cautions against making that struggle a public performance. He describes "hypocrites" who "disfigure their faces" and carry a "sad countenance" specifically so they may "appear unto men to fast." While they receive the attention they seek, Jesus explains that this temporary human recognition is the only reward they will ever get.
Instead, Jesus invites you into a private, intimate space with God. He encourages you to "anoint thine head, and wash thy face" so that your outward appearance remains normal to those around you. The goal is to "appear not unto men to fast," but to fast "unto thy Father which is in secret." This shift in focus takes the pressure off you to perform or look holy for others. You can rest in the quiet confidence that "thy Father, which seeth in secret," is watching you with love. He knows your heart and your sacrifice, and He is the one who "shall reward thee openly."
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
How can you keep this fast a quiet matter between you and God, without needing others to notice?
Pray
Father, you see what is done in secret. Free me from wanting to look spiritual before others. Let this time be honest worship offered to you alone.