Tag Archives: Christian fasting

Are You Fasting for God or for Approval?

The Secret Reward: 

Authenticity in Spiritual Practices

A Rise & Inspire Biblical Reflection

By Johnbritto Kurusumuthu

The Heart Behind Matthew 6:17-18

1. The Day I Fasted for Likes

Imagine this: A young woman posts a photo of her empty plate on Instagram with the caption, “Day 3 of fasting! #SpiritualJourney,” Hours later, she checks her phone, disappointed by the lack of likes. Contrast this with a man who fasts quietly, pours oil on his head, and goes about his day with joy—no one knows except God. Which act holds deeper meaning?

Jesus addresses this very tension in Matthew 6:17-18:

“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

2. Why Did Jesus Say This?

Jesus spoke these words during the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), a radical manifesto on kingdom living. In first-century Judaism, fasting was a revered practice tied to repentance (e.g., Day of Atonement) or crisis (Esther 4:16). However, some Pharisees fasted ostentatiously, wearing sackcloth and ashes to signal their “piety” (Matthew 6:16). Jesus rebukes this hypocrisy, urging disciples to fast for God’s eyes alone.

Fasting as a Posture of the Heart

Fasting isn’t a transaction to earn God’s favour but a posture of humility and dependence.

Understanding the Verse

In Matthew 6:17-18, Jesus teaches about the heart of fasting—not as a performance for others, but as a sacred act between the believer and God:

“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Context & Key Teachings

This passage is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), where He redefines righteousness as an inward transformation rather than an outward display. Just as He warns against hypocritical prayer and giving (Matthew 6:1-6), He now addresses fasting—another pillar of Jewish piety.

1. Sincerity Over Showmanship

Fasting is about humility, not public recognition. In Jesus’ time, applying oil and washing one’s face were normal grooming habits, reinforcing that fasting should be discreet rather than a display of suffering.

2. God-Centered Devotion

Jesus assures us that the Father, who sees in secret, will reward what is done for Him alone. Spiritual disciplines should seek God’s presence, not human praise.

3. Inner Transformation Over Rituals

True spirituality is not about religious theatrics but about aligning our hearts with God.

3. Verse Breakdown: Anointing Heads and Hidden Rewards

  • “Put oil on your head” – In Jesus’ culture, anointing with oil was a daily act of grooming. By instructing this, Jesus normalizes fasting—it’s not a spectacle but a private devotion.
  • “Your Father who sees in secret” – Echoing His earlier teachings on prayer and giving (Matthew 6:4-6), Jesus emphasizes God’s intimate attentiveness.
  • Cross-Reference: Isaiah 58:3-7 condemns fasting without justice; Joel 2:12-13 urges rending hearts, not garments.

Modern Paraphrase

When you fast, don’t make it obvious. Go about your day normally. Your unseen Father notices—and His approval is the greatest reward.

4. Personal Reflection: When My Fasting Became a Performance

Years ago, I joined a church-wide fast but secretly hoped others would notice my “dedication.” When no one did, I felt bitter—until I realized my motive was flawed. This verse reshaped my understanding: Fasting isn’t about me; it’s about drawing near to God.

5. How to Fast Authentically

Practical Steps

  1. Fast discreetly (e.g., skip social media posts about it).
  2. Use the time saved from meals for prayer or serving others.
  3. Journal reflections on your spiritual hunger.

Reflection Questions

  • Do I fast to grow closer to God or to appear “holy”?
  • How can I guard my heart from seeking human approval?

Prayer

“Father, purify my motives. Help me seek You in secret, trusting Your reward is enough. Amen.”

Prayer for Humble Devotion

Father,
You see the secrets of my heart. Forgive me when I have sought applause over intimacy with You. Teach me to fast, pray, and give in hiddenness, trusting Your promise to reward what is done in love. Anoint my life with Your Spirit so that my worship may be pure and my joy complete in You.
Amen.

6. Addressing Misconceptions

Is Fasting Outdated?

Jesus said “When you fast”—He expects it, but with sincerity (Matthew 9:15).

Is All Public Fasting Wrong?

Corporate fasts (e.g., Esther 4) are biblical, but motives matter (Joel 2:12-13).

7. The Bigger Picture: God Sees the Heart

This verse reveals God’s character: He values authenticity over appearance. In an age of curated social media personas, Jesus’ words are a timely reminder: Our Father sees through filters to the heart.

8. Your Secret is Safe with God

God doesn’t miss a single act of hidden devotion. Whether it’s a quiet prayer or a secret fast, He sees, He knows, and He rewards.

Call to Action

Share your experiences with authentic fasting in the comments!

9. Further Study & Resources

Wake-up call from Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan

Beloved in Christ,

In a world obsessed with image, Jesus calls us to radical authenticity. Fasting is not a spiritual trophy but a tender surrender to the Father. Let us shed the masks of religiosity and seek Him in the quiet.

Remember: The Almighty treasures what the world overlooks. Rise today—not to perform but to commune.

— His Excellency, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan

Let’s journey toward hidden holiness together—where only God’s applause matters.
Blessings,
Johnbritto Kurusumuthu

Scripture in Multiple Languages

For deeper reflection, here is Matthew 6:17-18 in Malayalam and Tamil.

Malayalam (മത്തായി 6:17-18)

എന്നാല്‍, നീ ഉപവസിക്കുന്നത്‌ അദൃശ്യനായ പിതാവല്ലാതെ മറ്റാരും കാണാതിരിക്കുന്നതിന്‌, ശിരസ്‌സില്‍ തൈലം പുരട്ടുകയും മുഖം കഴുകുകയും ചെയ്യുക. രഹസ്യങ്ങള്‍ അറിയുന്ന പിതാവ്‌ നിനക്കു പ്രതിഫലം നല്‍കും.

Tamil (மத்தேயு 6:17-18)

ஆனால், நீ உபவாசிக்கும் போது, உன் தலையில் எண்ணெய் தடவவும், முகத்தை கழுவவும் செய்யுங்கள். அப்பொழுது உன் உபவாசம் மனிதர்களுக்குத் தெரியாமல், மறைவாக இருக்கிற உன் பிதாவுக்குத் தெரியும். மறைவில் காண்கிற உன் பிதா உன்னை விருதளிப்பார்.

Let these words guide us in sincere devotion, seeking God in the secret place of our hearts.

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