Compare Matthew 6:16 with Isaiah 58:3-7 on true fasting intentions. Setting the Scene Fasting is meant to be a humble pursuit of God, yet it can be hijacked by pride or self-interest. Jesus in Matthew 6 and the LORD through Isaiah both confront this problem head-on, exposing empty ritual and calling us to authentic, compassionate devotion. Matthew 6:16 – Warnings about Showy Fasting “Whenever 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 reward.” • Hypocrisy: acting for an audience of people, not God. • Outward signals: “disfigure their faces,” exaggerating misery to win sympathy and admiration. • Empty payoff: public applause is the only reward such fasting receives. Isaiah 58:3-7 – God’s Vision for Fast Day “‘Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?’ Yet on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you drive hard all your laborers. You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for spreading out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to undo the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?’” • Complaint answered: people wonder why God seems unmoved—He exposes their self-centered motives. • Social injustice: exploitation of workers, conflict, violence. • God’s chosen fast: active mercy—loosing bonds, feeding, housing, clothing, caring for family. Common Ground between the Passages • Both passages condemn fasting that seeks attention—whether from people (Matthew) or from God without obedience (Isaiah). • Each redirects focus from ritual to relationship: with God and with neighbor (cf. Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:37-40). • The reward of true fasting is divine approval and spiritual breakthrough, not human accolades. Key Contrasts Matthew 6 emphasizes the vertical motive—seeking the Father “in secret” (6:17-18). Isaiah 58 stresses the horizontal outworking—justice and compassion toward others. Together they reveal two inseparable halves of genuine piety: hidden humility before God and visible love toward people (see James 1:27). Heart Posture and Motives • Audience: God alone (1 Samuel 16:7). • Attitude: joy and sincerity, not gloom (Matthew 6:17). • Action: mercy that mirrors God’s heart (Zechariah 7:9-10). When these align, fasting becomes a powerful expression of worship and service. Practical Takeaways for Today • Examine motive: Am I fasting to impress, manipulate, or truly seek God? • Pair fasting with generosity: redirect saved time or resources to feed the hungry or support ministries. • Seek reconciliation: use the fast to forgive, release grudges, and “break every yoke.” • Keep it quiet: resist posting or broadcasting unless necessary for accountability. • Expect deeper communion: God promises, “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:18). Scriptures to Deepen the Lesson • Joel 2:12-13 – “Return to Me with fasting… rend your hearts.” • Acts 13:2-3 – Leaders fasting, seeking the Spirit’s direction. • Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies as living sacrifices. Authentic fasting unites these threads: humble worship, practical love, and Spirit-led transformation. |
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