Day 9: Commandment or Assumption?

Week 2, Tuesday, January 12

Text: Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Thought for the day:
When Jesus spoke the words in our text, he assumed that many people were already fasting. I have heard people say that this text implies that we should be fasting too. Jesus’ intent in this passage is not to give a commandment that we should fast, but to tell us what the focus of fasting should be: growing closer to God.

Journal/Exercise:
Write down one prayer item that you will focus on as you come to God in prayer during your time of fasting. You may want to write down a characteristic that you would like for yourself: wisdom, contentment, patience. You may want to pray for someone else: for healing, comfort, or assurance. Although you might pray for other items during your times of fasting, please focus on this particular prayer item, and be alert to see how God responds to that prayer.