What Jesus Did! 'The Hidden Fast' — Matthew 6:16-18

Thursday, March 13, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
— Matthew 6:16-18 NLT

Key Thought

We do not pursue the spiritual disciplines to gain us notoriety and respect. Spiritual disciplines are of value when we offer them to God and go about our daily routine as if nothing were different, except our character. Our character is to be transformed to be more like our Father in heaven. A fast to God is not about looking on the outside like we're fasting, but about being transformed on the inside. That transformation will show itself over time as the fasting brings its spiritual fruit.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, I recognize that every good thing I have comes from you. Thank you for being so generous. I especially enjoy the food you provide for me each day. As I fast, please help me to base that fasting in the thankfulness for all you have done for me and please use it to form in me more of your character than I had yesterday. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Don't Be a Show-Off!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, I have a question: Why are you doing spiritual things? Are you trying to impress someone and prove you are religious? Are you trying....."
Bzrp-cha-ta-bzrp!
Article by Phil Ware
What in the world is that sound? Phil Ware looks back on an old reel-to-reel recording and editing session and reflects how he could sure use that same kind of thing in his life!
Nothing Significant?
Article by Phil Ware
So why do we discount what the Lord does through us? Phil Ware reminds us that nothing we do in the Lord's name is insignificant, unimportant, or forgotten by God who loves us and remembers and rewards us for what we do.
Beyond the Reach of Corruption and Decay
Article by Phil Ware
Are humans that predictable? Are people really so selfish? Do we nearly always pursue some payoff or reward in every situation? Phil Ware writes out of a quiet time study of Matthew 6 and the memory of the crass motivation often behind our behaviors, even our most religious behaviors.
See All 8 Related Resources about Matthew 6:16-18

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 6:16-18 NLT — But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, March 13, 2025

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'We are His!' (Ps. 100:2-3)
"Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people,..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Get Ready for Critics' (Acts 2:11-13)
"[In response to the coming of the Holy Spirit on Jesus' followers, the crowd responded:] "And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Stand Firm and Hold Your Ground!' (Ep. 6:14)
"So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Alive in Christ' (Ro. 6:1-5)
"Dear Father, God of grace, Shall I continue in sin that grace may abound? Never, never, never! May I never presume that being under grace is a..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!