Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, fasting is often associated with humility, repentance, and seeking God's favor. The practice of disfiguring one's face during fasting is mentioned in the Scriptures as a way to outwardly demonstrate the inward state of penitence and devotion. However, this practice is addressed by Jesus in the New Testament, where He provides guidance on the proper attitude and demeanor during fasting.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, fasting was a common practice among the Israelites, often accompanied by wearing sackcloth and ashes as a sign of mourning or repentance. While the specific act of disfiguring the face is not explicitly detailed in the Old Testament, the emphasis was on humbling oneself before God. For example, in the book of Daniel, we see Daniel fasting and praying with sackcloth and ashes (Daniel 9:3), which indicates a visible expression of humility and contrition. New Testament Teaching In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of disfiguring one's face during fasting in the Sermon on the Mount. He criticizes the hypocritical practices of the Pharisees, who would intentionally make their faces appear somber to show others they were fasting. Jesus instructs His followers to adopt a different approach: "When 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. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so 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" (Matthew 6:16-18). Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of sincerity and the inward focus of fasting. The act of disfiguring the face is criticized as a means of seeking human approval rather than divine favor. Instead, Jesus encourages His followers to maintain a normal appearance, ensuring that their fasting is a private matter between them and God. Spiritual Significance The disfiguring of the face in fasting, as addressed by Jesus, highlights the broader biblical principle that true worship and devotion are matters of the heart rather than external displays. The focus should be on the spiritual discipline of fasting as a means of drawing closer to God, rather than seeking recognition from others. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of humility and the call to seek God's approval above all else. In summary, while the disfiguring of the face in fasting was a practice observed by some in biblical times, Jesus' teaching redirects the focus to the sincerity and inward nature of fasting. By maintaining a normal appearance, believers are encouraged to engage in fasting as a genuine act of devotion, seeking the reward that comes from God alone. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 6:16Moreover when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear to men to fast. Truly I say to you, They have their reward. Nave's Topical Index Library Matt. vi. 16 The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly Matt. Ix. 9 Three Homilies. On Our Lord. Resources If Moses met face to face with God, why, later, was he not allowed to see God's face? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to seek God's face? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to set your face like flint in Isaiah 50:7? | GotQuestions.org Face: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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