Lesson 12: When You Fast
Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 6:16-18
Welcome, and thank you for joining me today as we continue to walk through the Sermon on the Mount. In this lesson, we’ll be focusing on Matthew 6:16-18 - Jesus’ powerful teaching on the often-neglected spiritual discipline of fasting. While prayer and giving often get more attention, fasting has long held a sacred place in the life of God’s people. Today, we’ll explore what true fasting looks like, how it forms our character, and how Jesus calls us to fast not for recognition, but for communion with the Father.
An Audience of One
In Matthew 6:16, Jesus continues his warnings about performative righteousness. He says, “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.” The assumption isn’t if you fast, but when - implying that fasting was and is a regular part of the believer’s life. Yet, Jesus warns against using fasting as a spiritual performance to earn admiration.
Fasting in Jesus’ day often included refraining from food while engaging in prayer, mourning, or seeking guidance. However, many religious leaders had turned it into a public spectacle. By making their suffering visible, they manipulated others into viewing them as especially holy. But Jesus offers a better way - a way that aims not for public praise, but for the private pleasure of the Father.
Fasting as Devotion, Not Display
Jesus says, “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” (vv. 17-18a). In other words, go about your day normally. Don’t draw attention to your sacrifice. The spiritual discipline of fasting is meant to be a form of hidden devotion - a way to sharpen our focus on God, not on ourselves.
In both the Old and New Testaments, fasting is a God-ordained means of seeking him with intensity and dependence. From Moses (Exodus 34:28) to David (Psalm 35:13) to Jesus himself (Matthew 4:2), fasting was practiced not to earn God’s favor, but to express humility and hunger for him. Joel 2:12 reminds us, “Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” It’s a spiritual response to deep need.
Jesus concludes, “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (v. 18b). This is the third time in Matthew 6 that he speaks of the Father’s secret reward - for giving (v. 4), praying (v. 6), and now fasting. The emphasis is clear: we practice spiritual disciplines not for outward applause, but inward transformation. When we fast in this way, the reward isn’t just future blessings – it’s God himself.
Bible Study Questions
Why do you think Jesus assumes his followers will fast (v. 16)?
How did some people misuse fasting during Jesus’ time, and how can we fall into similar patterns today?
What does it mean to fast “for your Father who is in secret” (v. 18)?
How do the themes of secrecy and sincerity connect across giving, praying, and fasting in Matthew 6?
What biblical examples of fasting can help guide our understanding of this discipline?
What are some spiritual reasons or seasons when fasting might be especially appropriate?
How does fasting help deepen our dependence on God?
What is the significance of the promise that “your Father... will reward you?”
How might fasting expose idols or misplaced affections in our hearts?
How can fasting be practiced today in a healthy, Christ-centered way?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
Have you ever fasted as a spiritual practice? What was your experience?
What obstacles or fears keep you from fasting?
How do you respond to the idea that fasting isn’t about getting God’s attention, but about giving him yours?
What are some specific situations where fasting could help you seek God’s will?
How can you avoid the temptation to treat fasting as a way to manipulate God or impress others?
How does fasting align with Jesus’ call to self-denial and discipleship (Luke 9:23)?
In what ways could fasting enhance your personal prayer life?
What does your current hunger (physical or spiritual) reveal about your priorities?
How could your family or small group incorporate fasting together in a meaningful way?
What would it look like for you to fast in secret and trust God with the results?
Action Steps
Choose a specific day this week to fast and devote time to prayer, Scripture, and silence before God. Let it be a private offering between you and the Father.
As you fast from food, media, or another comfort, be intentional to fill that space with worship, Scripture meditation, or intercession.
Ask God to reveal any ways you may be seeking attention or approval through spiritual disciplines. Confess those to him and ask for renewed sincerity in your walk with Christ.
Closing Thoughts
Fasting isn’t a forgotten tradition of the past – it’s a gift from God to help us hunger more deeply for him. It’s not about impressing others or manipulating God, but about quiet surrender and dependence. As Jesus reminds us, when we fast with a sincere heart, our Father sees - and he rewards. May we rediscover the grace of fasting as part of our hidden walk with God.
Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this topic. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points. If you found this study helpful, please consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe as well.