The Fasting Hypocrite

Happy Sunday. Years ago, I was contacted by a singing group that would be in our area, and they asked if they could come sing in our worship service. I knew of the group, well-known name, and they came for worship one Sunday morning. They were very talented; however, I had the feeling that they were there with us more to perform than to worship. It seemed to be all about them.

I noticed that day that some Christian groups make it about God, and other so-called Christian groups make it really all about them. A few years later, we had another very well-known group come to an event, and they were so very different. They pointed to God and not to themselves.

Today we continue in The Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus is once again talking about hypocrisy. Hypocrites of all things. Jesus introduces us to the fasting hypocrite. That sounds odd, doesn't it? Let me read his words from Matthew 6:16 to 18.

Jesus said, "Whenever you fast, do not look somber like the Hypocrites, for they mark their faces to show others that they're fasting. Truly I tell you, they have receive their reward. 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's in secret, and your father who sees in secret will reward you."

In the last few weeks, we've looked at the giving hypocrite and the praying hypocrite. Well, that is confusing. It is somewhat understandable. Some people give for tax reasons or for Prestige. Some people pray to look good or So Others May see them as a good person.

But fasting, fasting is a spiritual discipline that I doubt most Christians practice. We naturally prefer feasting to fasting. As Jesus tells the story that day long ago, the people knew the picture very well. Pharisees fasted twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays, and sadly, many of them fasted just to be seen. It was likely that they were snacking in private and showing signs of fasting in public.

Imagine wanting to be noticed for looking bad. Well, you wouldn't fix your hair, you wouldn't dress nicely, you maybe would have a sad look on your face. If you go out, no doubt someone would ask you, "What's wrong?" And you may reply, "I'm not eating." And they might say, "Well, are you sick? What's the matter?" And to that you could reply proudly, "I am fasting." And they may say, "Wow, you're so super religious."

That whole process is sad and worthless. In Matthew 23:12, we find these words of Jesus. He said, "But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Sometimes people just get it backwards.

Jesus told us that when we fast, and using those words, uh, it appears that we are expected to fast. When we fast, look normal. Don't par parade around to be seen by men. God knows what you're doing, and it should stay between just the two of you.

Today fasting has become somewhat popular. People do partial fast for weight lost. There may be physical benefits here, but without seeking God in this time, there'll be no spiritual benefits. Another interesting development in our day is when I really appreciate: some Churches encourage their members to participate in a digital fast. No Facebook, no Google, no texting, no TV, no games.

When that is eliminated for a time and God is salt in head instead, there are great benefits. Jesus Promised, "Your father who sees in secret will reward you." If you've never fasted, I encourage you to consider adding this discipline to your spiritual Arsenal. Maybe just try one day. When you're hungry, pray, seek God, make him a priority. That's what it's all about.

Pray with me. Father God, as we grow, help us to find the disciplines that you want us to find. Help us to seek you in private and not make a show in public. But we should be good influences in this world, but only because in the private we've done our work, we've gotten close, we've learned about you, so we can go out into the world and love others. Help us with that. In Jesus name, amen.

Thanks for joining joining me today.