Today I want to look at verses 16-18 of chapter 6, once again focusing on who Jesus was speaking to, and on the context of the entire message.
Matthew 6:16-18
(16)And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. (17)Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, (18)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.
So now Jesus switches from prayer to fasting. My understanding is that fasting is similar to prayer in that the goal of fasting is to grow closer to God. In fasting, this is accomplished by depriving yourself of something that is used to sustain you, in a temporary sense, to focusing on God, who ultimately sustains you in all things. But again, it is not the action itself, but the thinking behind the action that matters. Are you really fasting to grow closer to God, or are you trying to impress those around you? Do you face your fasting and make a big deal about your hunger, or do you go about your day as normal, just you and your God. The leaders apparently made it obvious when they were fasting. Perhaps they just looked longingly at food, like when you are eating and your dog notices. My dog likes to walk over and sit with one paw in the air, as if to say, "Look at me! I am hungry too. Not for that stuff in the dog dish, but that great smelling stuff that you have!" Or maybe they verbalized their efforts, telling you that they wished they could have some, but they have this God thing going on. In the passage, Jesus says that they go as far as disfiguring their faces, probably just making that dog staring you down for food look, so that people know they are fasting. As a result, they get a reward, and that is the admiration of those who notice. "Rabbi Frank must be fasting today, did you see the look on his face in the temple? What a Godly man. I could never do that as often as he does."
The reward for correct motivation is a closer walk with God. I wonder what those who do it for self glorification really think about that. I wonder if they are not actually driven farther from God by some element of bitterness over what God wants them to go through. It would be as if every time your hunger gnawed at you, you had another reminder of what you are doing for God, of what God is putting you through. However, for those who actually do it to draw closer to God, each moment of hunger would be a reminder of how much God has provided for them, and a sense of appreciation would flow out rather than bitterness. I believe this mirrors the overall issue that Jesus is trying to address in this sermon. One man fasts, but because it is done with improper motivation, the only reward is they get what they were seeking, which is praise and honor from those around them. Another man fasts, and he gets God. He gets a deeper appreciation for God. A deeper dependence on God. A greater realization of who God is and how God cares for him in all things, and not just the times of blessing. In fact, he might even realize that all times are times of blessing. That is a reward worth pursuing.
Edited 2/8/2022
No comments:
Post a Comment