“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;”– Matthew 6:17 (KJV)
“But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face,”– Matthew 6:17 (NLT)
“When you’re dealing with hunger, don’t look like you’re fasting. Look healthy and groomed.” – Matthew 6:17 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 6:17 Mean?
In Matthew 6:17, Jesus is delivering a teaching about fasting, which is often a spiritual discipline meant to bring us closer to God. In this particular verse, He emphasizes the importance of personal rather than public displays of devotion. The act of fasting is an intimate and personal commitment that can be clouded by the desire for approval or recognition from others. By encouraging us to look presentable, Jesus indicates that our true focus should be on our relationship with God rather than the opinions of those around us.
This teaching challenges us to think about our own motivations in practicing faith. Are we seeking validation from others, or are we genuinely trying to connect with God? Fasting isn’t just about refraining from food; it’s about reflecting on our spiritual life and being sincere in our approach to God. When we engage in such practices, the goal should not be to create a spectacle but to strengthen our relationship with our Creator.
Matthew 6:17 Explanation and Commentary
In trying to understand Matthew 6:17, we must consider the cultural significance of fasting during biblical times. Fasting was often practiced by the Jewish people for various reasons, including mourning, penitence, and seeking God’s favor. However, by the time Jesus came, the act of fasting had become somewhat routine and was often showcased as a sign of piety, rather than a sincere act of worship.
This is where Jesus steps in to make a transformative point. He instructs us not to appear sad or disheveled during a fast. This shows that Jesus recognizes human nature and how easily we can fall into the trap of seeking human recognition instead of divine. His guidance encourages us to maintain our daily lives while fasting. Instead of wearing our discomfort and weakness on our faces, we should care for our appearance. Jesus wants us to keep our hearts aligned with God so that our actions reflect genuine devotion.
Fasting should be a private affair between each believer and God, and He assures us that He sees and rewards our private acts of devotion. In Matthew 6:18 following the verse, Jesus reassures us that genuine acts of devotion will not go unnoticed by God. He emphasizes the importance of authentic relationship over display, and this message resonates throughout His ministry.
At its core, Jesus calls us to examine our motivations. In a world filled with social media and constant connectivity, this teaching feels more relevant than ever. How often do we share our spiritual journeys online for likes or applause? We are reminded that God knows our hearts, and we should aim to please Him above all else. Our fasting, prayers, and acts of kindness should stem from a desire for a deeper connection with God, rather than the approval of others.
Context of Matthew 6:17
To fully grasp the meaning of Matthew 6:17, we should place it in its broader context within Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Here, Jesus teaches about various aspects of faith, righteousness, and genuine devotion to God. He addresses the practices of giving, praying, and fasting, instructing His followers on how to conduct themselves in these acts of worship.
Prior to this verse, in Matthew 6:16, Jesus speaks about fasting in a way that critiques the hypocrisy of some believers. They would disfigure their faces, signaling to others that they were fasting. Jesus confronts this cultural behavior, giving us guidance on maintaining humble and sincere hearts during such acts.
This context helps us see the radical nature of Jesus’ approach to faith. He was urging His followers to develop an authentic connection to God that relied on the inner spirit of worship, rather than external appearance. While fasting and prayer are important elements of faith, we must remember that true spirituality is about our heart and not merely our actions that can be scrutinized by others.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 6:17
In Matthew 6:17, several crucial concepts can be highlighted. The mention of anointing the head and washing the face are important cultural practices which indicate grooming and care. By favoring these actions, we get the impression that God values inner beauty and authenticity over external displays of spirituality. We are encouraged to carry our spiritual choices gracefully.
The phrase “when you fast,” shows Jesus is not against fasting itself, but rather how it’s practiced. He acknowledges it as a spiritual discipline that can enhance our relationship with God, but condemns the practice when it’s used as a means for gaining attention. This formulation of practice emphasizes that fasting should be voluntary and rooted in a genuine desire to grow closer to God, not merely for show.
By stating, “anoint thy head, and wash thy face,” Jesus instructs us to look after ourselves during fasting. This practical advice embodies the idea of maintaining our physical and emotional health even in our spiritual endeavors. It’s a gentle reminder that our spiritual journey isn’t always about denial but can also encompass care for our well-being as we seek to elevate our spiritual life.
The emphasis on inward commitment speaks volumes about the character of God, who seeks genuine worshipers, as detailed in other parts of scripture, such as John 4:24, where we learn, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” This is where authenticity truly comes to light, indicating that God desires a connection that moves beyond the superficiality.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 6:17
Matthew 6:17 offers us profound lessons about the nature of faith and devotion. One of the primary lessons we can learn is the significance of sincerity in our acts of worship. The act of fasting is not simply an obligation; it should be approached thoughtfully and with a clear heart aimed at growing closer to God.
Another lesson is about the dangers of hypocrisy. We must self-reflect to ensure that our spiritual practices are not outward acts performed for recognition, but a journey to deepen our relationship with our Creator. Let’s think about our daily lives for a moment. Are we engaging in practices like prayer, fasting, or giving with a pure heart? Or do we find ourselves focusing on what others might think or say?
Additionally, we learn to prioritize our spiritual journey above societal expectations. How we conduct our practices can often seem influenced by those around us. Yet, when we follow Jesus’ teaching, we realize that our relationship with God should guide us through all our actions—leading to peaceful assurance that genuine faith is built on authenticity.
Taking time to self-evaluate can help us grow spiritually. Journaling or discussing our intentions with a trusted friend or spiritual mentor can guide us on the right path. Let us encourage one another as we strive to be more authentic in our spiritual lives and to remain focused on nurturing our hearts in God’s presence.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Matthew 6:17, let us commit to becoming sincere followers of Christ. Jesus beautifully emphasizes that spirituality should not be showcased but nurtured deeply within our hearts. Through loving God and our neighbors, we can find joy in our faith, irrespective of the external circumstances or opinions of others.
Thinking about what it means to fast, pray, and serve can help us learn more about ourselves and the world around us. Let’s encourage ourselves to focus on our relationship with God and be assured of His faithfulness in our lives. If you feel inspired, check out more topics covering similar themes found in the Bible Repository for further exploration. Remember, we are all on this journey together, learning and growing as we seek His presence every day.