Fasting, a spiritual discipline observed throughout the Bible, is intended as a means of humbling oneself before God, seeking His guidance, and expressing repentance. However, the practice can be corrupted when performed with the wrong motives, particularly when it becomes ostentatious. The Bible addresses the issue of hypocritical fasting, where individuals engage in the practice not out of genuine devotion, but to gain the admiration of others.

Biblical Context

The most direct teaching on the fasting of hypocrites is found in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus addresses the issue of ostentatious religious practices. In Matthew 6:16-18 , Jesus warns His followers: "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."

This passage highlights the contrast between true and false fasting. The hypocrites, whom Jesus criticizes, engage in fasting as a public display, seeking human recognition rather than divine approval. Their reward is limited to the fleeting admiration of others, rather than the eternal reward from God.

Old Testament Insights

The issue of hypocritical fasting is not unique to the New Testament. The Old Testament also addresses the problem of insincere fasting. In Isaiah 58:3-5 , the Israelites question why their fasting has not been acknowledged by God: "'Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?' Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please and oppress all your workers. You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. Is this the fast I have chosen, a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD?"

Here, God rebukes the Israelites for their superficial fasting, which is accompanied by unjust behavior and self-interest. True fasting, as God desires, is characterized by genuine repentance, humility, and a heart aligned with His will.

Spiritual Implications

The fasting of hypocrites serves as a cautionary example for believers. It underscores the importance of sincerity in spiritual practices and the danger of seeking human approval over divine favor. Ostentatious fasting is a manifestation of pride, where the focus shifts from God to self. This behavior is antithetical to the purpose of fasting, which is to draw closer to God and align one's heart with His purposes.

Practical Application

For Christians today, the teachings on hypocritical fasting serve as a reminder to examine the motives behind their spiritual disciplines. Fasting should be approached with a heart of humility, seeking God's presence and guidance rather than the praise of others. Believers are encouraged to practice fasting in a manner that is discreet and focused on deepening their relationship with God, trusting that He sees and rewards what is done in secret.Matthew 6:16
Moreover 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Sermon on the Mount.
... ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a ... [Fasting, as an aid to meditation and prayer,
is a ... avoid the temptation to be hypocritically ostentatious, for fasting ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 5.htm

Chapter xii.
... There follows a precept concerning fasting, having reference to ... says He, "be not,
as the hypocrites, of a ... noticed, that there may be ostentatious display not ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xii 2.htm

The Land and the People.
... During his forty days of fasting "in the ... was substituted for spiritual piety, an
ostentatious sanctimoniousness for ... How he arraigned those hypocrites seated on ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... such titles; but these having neither holiness, excellency, [1292] nor grace, will
needs be so called, to satisfy their ambitious and ostentatious minds, which ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

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