As we move deeper into the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus turns to the subject of fasting. He places it alongside giving and praying as one of the core practices of authentic faith. Each discipline reflects a part of our lives: giving relates to others, prayer to God, and fasting to ourselves. Fasting, in particular, humbles our appetites and reminds us of our dependence on Him.
Jesus begins with a warning: “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men” (Matthew 6:16). In His day, some religious leaders deliberately made themselves look miserable while fasting so that others would admire their piety. Jesus’ verdict is clear: “Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.” Their reward was human praise—and nothing more.
This is a danger in every age. We live in a culture obsessed with image and visibility, where people measure value by how much attention they attract. But God sees beneath appearances. He is not impressed with performance; He looks at the heart. The life of the kingdom is not about gaining recognition from others but about cultivating authenticity before the Father.
Notice that Jesus does not say if you fast, but when you fast. He assumes it will be part of a believer’s spiritual rhythm. Yet fasting is often neglected in today’s church. We emphasize prayer and Scripture, but fasting feels foreign. Still, from the days of Moses and Daniel to the early church, fasting has always been a natural response to grief, repentance, and the need for discernment. Esther called her people to fast before approaching the king. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days before beginning His ministry. The church in Acts fasted and prayed before sending out missionaries and appointing leaders.
At its core, fasting is an outward expression of inward humility. It is a way of saying, “Lord, I need You more than I need food or comfort.” Prayer already humbles us, but fasting intensifies that humility by confronting the flesh. Our bodies say, “I want,” and we respond, “Not today.” That kind of self-denial exposes hidden sins such as greed and gluttony, which we often tolerate but which keep us from deeper fellowship with God.
Fasting also helps us seek God’s wisdom in times of decision. Many believers draw a line between the “spiritual” and the “secular,” as though God only cares about one part of life. But God is Lord over all of life—our work, our relationships, our choices. Fasting before making major decisions is a way of inviting Him into the whole of life and admitting that His wisdom is greater than ours.
Fasting does not always mean giving up food completely. Some fast by skipping meals, drinking only liquids, or avoiding certain foods. Others choose to fast from activities that consume their time and attention. You might set aside television, social media, or entertainment for a season and use that time for prayer. The point is not the form but the focus: replacing lesser things with the pursuit of God.
Jesus tells His disciples, “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (6:17–18). His words remind us that fasting is not a show. Keep your appearance normal, He says. Do not advertise your devotion. The Father who sees in secret is the only audience that matters.
This hidden life with God is the essence of discipleship. It runs against our natural desire for attention and approval, but it frees us from living for the opinions of others. When our lives are centered on pleasing God, fasting becomes worship, not performance.
If you are new to fasting, start small. Skip a meal and devote that time to prayer. Or fast from a form of media for a week and use the time for Scripture. You may be surprised how little you miss what you’ve given up—and how much closer you feel to God.
Ultimately, fasting fits the rhythm of daily dependence that Jesus taught us in the Lord’s Prayer: asking for daily bread, forgiveness, and deliverance. It humbles us, clears away distractions, and reminds us that we are not self-sufficient. We need the Father’s provision, mercy, and protection every day.
Fasting will sharpen your thinking, yes, but its greatest gift is shaping your heart.
To explore the Sermon on the Mount more deeply and discover how to thoughtfully answer the questions below, subscribe to Ken Boa Reflections on Substack.
Questions for Reflection
- When you think about fasting, do you see it as a burden or as an invitation to deeper intimacy with God? What might help shift your perspective?
- How do you typically respond to the appetites and desires of your body? What might fasting reveal about areas where you struggle with self-control?
- In what ways could you invite God into your decisions—large or small—through practices like fasting and prayer?
- Are there activities or distractions (media, entertainment, habits) that you could fast from in order to make more space for God’s presence in your life?
