Matthew 6:16-18·~1 min
Proper Fasting
Jesus rejects the somber face of public fasting, where visible grief is used to secure notice. Such fasting already has its reward.
W16hen you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
Fasting is to be ordinary outwardly, with the head anointed and the face washed, so that the act stays hidden before the unseen Father. He sees it and rewards it.
17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Section summaryJesus turns to fasting and rejects the face of sorrow used for display. Fasting is to stay hidden, with ordinary washing and oil, before the Father who sees in secret and rewards what remains unseen.
Role in the chapterThis brief movement keeps fasting inside the same hidden pattern as giving and prayer, where the Father’s sight matters more than public signs of devotion.