Fasting and Praying

Sermon: Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV) Fasting deepens our communion with God

Today, we’re finalizing our series on prayer. Next week, we’ll begin a new series called “entrusted” out of 2 Timothy

the last few weeks we have been talking about the importance of rhythms in our spiritual lives.

Today we’ll talk about a rhythm that can recalibrate our hearts, hit pause on the noise of life and tune into the voice of God.

If there is a summary to what we have been learning the last few weeks, is Jesus’ teaching on not doing right things for the wrong reasons. Those who do such things: he calls them hypocrites (someone who plays a part, someone who claims to live by a standard when they do not)

Today’s passage, will take us to some verses many of us might find challenging, even though they are deeply transformative: Matthew 6:16-18, and our main idea for today’s message “Fasting deepens our communion with God”

For you millennials in the audience "Fasting levels up our connection with God.”

Gen Z: "Fasting takes our vibe with God to a whole new level.”

Ok, before you tune me out thinking this is just about skipping meals, hear me out

When Jesus said these words, He wasn’t dishing diet tips— He was inviting his audience (and us) into something much deeper: how to unplug from the world to plug into God.

So, grab your spiritual fork and knife, because this isn’t about what’s on your plate; it’s about what’s in your heart.

Scripture Reading:

"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 receivedtheir 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, ESV)

• From beginning of this chapter; Jesus has been teaching His disciples not to call attention to themselves in public:

• when they worship. (Matthew 6:2).

• when they give to the needy (Matthew 6:3–4) and

• when they pray (Matthew 6:6)

Now we’ll see Him apply the same basic lesson to fasting:

6:16a “And when you fast…"

• Jesus has been speaking of spiritual practices: giving, praying, and now fasting - knowing that this is something His followers regularly practice.

• Jesus’ followers were primarily observant Jewish people, fasting was not an uncommon practice to them.

• It was commanded in the law of Moses (Leviticus 23:27–32), and over time, especially during times of exile, the Jewish people expanded the practice of fasting (Zechariah 7 and 8)

• Let me clarify - To fast means “to not eat for a period of time”

Our Posture: because of the word ‘When’ - to fast is not an “if you choose” or “if you forget to”. ‘When’ carries an implication is that believers practice these things.

6:16b “…do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others…”

• Some religious Jews regarded fasting as a mark of general piety, not just prayer

• Pharisees and scribes were known for fasting twice a week (Luke 18:12), on Mondays and Thursdays. And many wanted to make sure that everybody knew they were fasting - so they would have a facial expression that would make evident to all

how much they were suffering.

• Of course pharisees did this because they had a reputation as the most strictly religious people in Israel. They were intensely proud of that status.

Our Posture: Pride can corrupt something good and turn it into something bad.

6:16c “…Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”

• Jesus warn his audience here that the hypocrites fasting was about putting on a show receiving applause, words of praise, admiring looks… and once in a while maybe even a high-five.

• But that was it, they would receive no reward from God.

• Therefore, do not fast like them.

Our Posture: Self-interest, which carries no eternal reward.

“Ultimately, our only reason for pleasing men around us is that we may be pleased.” (D. Martin Lloyd-Jones)

• In contrast, Jesus instructs his followers this way….

17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,

• Don’t forget to take care of yourselves as usual and to make the fast something before God, not others.

• This doesn't mean no one, at all, can know. It simply means we shouldn't advertise our fast.

• Apparently some would skip their normal grooming on days when they would fast.

Human Posture: the attention we receive, because of our spiritual choices can easily become an idol in our lives

Finally in v. 18 Jesus makes a similar statement to the comments he made about charity (Matthew 6:4) and prayer (Matthew 6:6)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.

• This is a much better way of saying “do these things, for an audience of one”

• Jesus makes a point that God notices when His people honor Him in their hearts even if nobody else ever knows it. Jesus emphasizes that God truly cares more about the hearts and motivations of His people than their outward actions.

• Paul parallels this in Gal. 1:10 “ For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

• Not only does God see; He rewards such behavior

• “Spiritual people are not those who engage in certain spiritual practices; they are those who draw their life from a conversational relationship with God.” Dallas Willard

• The reward is true fellowship with God.

Our Posture: an empty, works-based religious system can keeps us from the reward.

• It's hard to evaluate how this teaching landed with the original audience. These people had lived their entire lives under a performance-driven religious system where Image, reputation, honor and shame were all that mattered.

• That's not how it was supposed to work, but that was how it had come to be practiced.

• So Jesus is not condemning fasting. He is calling out something good that was corrupted by the hypocrisy of the religious people in his’ day.

TAKEAWAYS

1. We Misunderstand Fasting:In our modern context, fasting is either misunderstood, or seen as an outdated religious practice.

But let’s clear something up: fasting isn’t about punishing yourself or trying to earn God’s favor. It’s about creating space—removing distractions so we can focus on what truly matters: our relationship with God.

Jesus calls out the hypocrites, not because they’re fasting, but because of their motive.

They’re seeking the glory of men, rather than the glory of God.

Remember: Fasting is not about impressing others; or about strong arming God into responding your prayers. it’s about deepening your connection with God.

2. There is a reward in Fasting:

To some associating fasting with a reward might seem illogical or absurd. Even counterintuitive. After all we are denying ourselves something we need: food.

The reward is not earthly recognition or success, but it is in what fasting enables us to experience—unhindered communion with God Himself.

The reward is Him.

Think about it: The praise of men is temporary. But the approval of the Father is enduring. The reward of men is a vapor. The reward of the Father-is in Jesus is forever.

3. The effect of Fasting: we calibrate into mission

The Bible is filled with accounts of men and women fasting as a means of earnest intercession.

Remember, Nehemiah? (a captive but prominent Jew in Babylon) when he heard of the destruction of his hometown, Jerusalem and the people still living there being called ‘survivors’ (not a hopeful thing to be called). He tore his clothes and fasted and prayed on their 800-miles-away behalf, asking the Lord to help them:“As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven . . . let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants . . . ”

Nehemiah 1:4-6

His first response wasn’t to strategize; it was to fast and pray. Before doing anything, he went to God with everything.

If we want to live on mission today, we need that same heart.

We all have someone in our live's who doesn’t know Jesus.

Are you willing to fast and pray for that person?

Are you willing to fast and pray for Reno & Sparks to come to Christ?

We fast because our need is great and our God is greater.

In fasting, we are saying to God, “Our spiritual need is greater than our temporary

physical discomfort, and the supply for both comes from God alone.”

So, how do we make fasting a joyful experience? Here are a few practical steps:

• Start Small: maybe a partial fast or fast from something other than food—that is also an appetitive in your life. (I could easily fast from Kale)

• Definitely something that you really crave that keeps you from praying more: Social media or TV, if that is your strongest appetite. but

• Focus on Prayer: Use the time you would normally spend eating or engaging in those activities to pray and seek God.

• Don’t virtue signal: Obey Jesus’ and keep it between you and God. This isn’t about showing off your spirituality; it’s about deepening it.

• Reflect on the Reward: As you fast, reflect on the spiritual rewards—greater intimacy with God, increased self-control, a deeper sense of purpose, and a real burden for those who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and savior.

GOSPEL INVITE:

I am aware some of you here may not identify as Jesus follower, or you may have questions about faith. If you feel a deep longing or hunger that nothing in this world— like success, money, or comfort—has ever truly satisfied, know this: that longing is for something only God can provide.

The Bible says this desire for a right relationship with God is a deep, soul-level need, and the good news is that there is one who can fulfill it: his name is Jesus.

If you’re tired of chasing after things that leave you empty, Jesus invites you to come near, believe in Him.

He’s not offering you temporary relief; He’s offering you eternal satisfaction. So today, if you feel that hunger, that thirst for something more—don’t ignore it. Jesus is calling you to trust Him, to receive the life that only He can give.

Closing thought:

As we close, remember that fasting is not about what you’re giving up—it’s about what you’re gaining, more of His presence. So, let’s embrace the joy of fasting, knowing that our Father who sees in our hearts will reward us in ways we can’t even imagine.

Let’s pray.