What is the meaning of Matthew 6:17? But when you fast • Jesus expects fasting to be a normal rhythm for His followers, not a rare exception (“When you fast,” not “If you fast”; see also Matthew 9:15). • The context of Matthew 6 shows a pattern: giving (vv. 2–4), praying (vv. 5–6), and now fasting (vv. 16–18). In each case He warns against public show and calls for sincere devotion. • Fasting in Scripture is consistently linked to humility and dependence on God (Ezra 8:21; Joel 2:12–13). Staying literal, the act means abstaining from food for a set time in order to seek the Lord. • The reward Jesus promises in v. 18—“Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you”—assures that unseen obedience never goes unnoticed. anoint your head • In first-century life, anointing with oil was ordinary grooming, like combing hair or applying lotion (Psalm 23:5; 2 Samuel 12:20). • By telling disciples to “anoint,” Jesus urges them to look fresh and cared-for so others won’t detect their fast. The focus remains on God alone, echoing His earlier command about private prayer (Matthew 6:6). • This practice guards the heart from pride that craves human applause (Proverbs 16:18; Galatians 1:10). • Practically, it reminds believers today to keep spiritual disciplines discreet—serve, give, pray, and fast without drawing attention, trusting the Father’s approval. wash your face • Washing was another daily routine gesture of normalcy (Genesis 43:31; Acts 9:18). Combining it with anointing makes the point crystal clear: no gloomy faces, no spiritual theatrics. • Jesus is not against public corporate fasts recorded elsewhere (Esther 4:16; Acts 13:2–3). He is against hypocrisy—using a holy practice to polish one’s image (cf. Matthew 23:5). • Maintaining ordinary appearance underscores the inward nature of true fasting: confessing sin, aligning with God’s will, interceding for others, or seeking guidance (Nehemiah 1:4; Daniel 9:3). • By obeying, believers declare that the Father’s smile outweighs any earthly praise (Colossians 3:23–24). summary Matthew 6:17 calls disciples to fast with hearts fixed on God, not on human attention. Keep the discipline private: go about normal grooming—anoint the head, wash the face—so only the Father sees. He, who “sees in secret,” promises His reward, reinforcing that authentic worship values divine approval over public recognition. |
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