Christ Commands

Scripture

Primary passage

Matthew 6:16–18

16 “Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

Primary passage · World English Bible

The command

Hear what Jesus commands.

Fast for the Father rather than turning self-denial into a public display of spirituality.

In context

Hear the whole passage.

Jesus assumes His disciples will fast and tells them to care for their appearance so the practice remains directed toward the Father who sees in secret.

What this reveals

What this reveals about God.

Jesus forms people who can set aside appetite to seek God without using sacrifice to gain attention.

Practice this command

Take one concrete step.

Choose a safe and appropriate fast from food, media, spending, or another appetite. Keep it private, use the freed time to pray, and do not fast from food if health needs make that unwise.

Discuss

Talk about it.

What appetite does fasting expose in you, and how can secrecy keep the practice directed toward God rather than toward self-image?

Pray

Pray this.

Father, meet us in hidden surrender. Show us what controls our appetites and teach us to hunger for your presence and kingdom.

Teach

Teach it simply.

Teach fasting as voluntary, God-directed self-denial—not punishment, spiritual competition, or a practice that ignores medical wisdom.

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