Matthew 6:16-18
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As we continue listening in on Jesus’ teaching, read Matthew 6:16-18 noticing any thoughts or questions that come to mind as you read.
In this passage, Jesus is addressing first century people whose culture is very different than that of Western, modern-day folks. It’s important to notice that Jesus assumes that abstaining from food is part of the normal practices of his disciples, and therefore Jesus focuses on the motive behind the fasting rather than on whether fasting is a good idea or not.
In a consumer driven society, choosing to go without something can be a powerful practice. Choosing to fast from technology, entertainment, or the purchase of goods can help loosen the grip of consumerism and yield many other benefits both mentally and spiritually. But in this passage, fasting means abstaining specifically from one of our most basic needs as humans – food.
If you have ever fasted from food for a time, what did you learn about yourself or about God? Stay with this question for a while and then discuss your thoughts and feelings with Jesus.
Read Matthew 6:16-18 again paying attention to the false attitude Jesus calls out.
Fasting, like all other spiritual practices, is a tool that can open us up to the transforming power of God. There is no magic in the tool itself, but when our aim is to draw closer to God, fasting can clear the way for God to speak to us in deep and meaningful ways. But when fasting, or any other spiritual practice becomes a point of spiritual pride for us, it loses its effectiveness.
Jesus says that when we fast to impress others, the only benefit we receive is the attention we draw to ourselves. But when we choose to abstain from food for a time to humble ourselves before God and remind ourselves of our total dependence on God, the benefits we reap are exponential.
Get quiet for a while and consider asking Jesus to examine your motives for engaging in spiritual practices like Bible reading, prayer, gathering for a worship service, fasting, etc. Take as much time as you need for this.
What do you sense Jesus teaching you in this time of examination?
What are you going to do about it?
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