Matthew 6:17
Verse
Context
Proper Fasting
16When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,18so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face--as the Jews did, except when mourning (Dan 10:3); so that the meaning is, "Appear as usual"--appear so as to attract no notice.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But thou, when thou fastest,.... Christ allows of fasting, but what is of a quite different kind from that of the Jews; which lay not in an outward abstinence from food, and other conveniences of life, and refreshments of nature; but in an abstinence from sin, in acknowledgment and confession of it; and in the exercise of faith and hope in God, as a God pardoning iniquity, transgression and sin; wherefore cheerfulness, and a free use of the creatures, without an abuse of them, best became such persons. Anoint thine head, and wash thy face; directly contrary to the Jewish canons, which forbid these things, with others, on fast days: "On the day of atonement, (say (i) they,) a man is forbidden eating and drinking, "and washing and anointing", and putting on of shoes, and the use of the bed.'' And the same were forbidden on other fasts: in anointings, the head was anointed first, and this rule and reason are given for it: "he that would anoint his whole body, , "let him anoint his head first", because it is king over all its members (k).'' Anointing and washing were signs of cheerfulness and joy; see Rut 3:3. (i) Misn. Yoma, c. 8. sect. 1. & Taanith, c. 1. sect. 4, 5, 6. T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 77. 2. Taanith, fol. 12. 2. Moses Kotsensis Mitzvot Tora, pr. affirm. 32. (k) T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 61. 1.
Matthew 6:17
Proper Fasting
16When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,18so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Fast Weekly: Positioning Ourselves to Freely Receive More From God
By Mike Bickle2454:44Spiritual PreparationFastingMAT 6:17Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of fasting as a means to prepare the church for an impending revival and the challenges that accompany it. He explains that fasting is not about earning God's favor but positioning ourselves to receive His grace and power, which is essential for effective ministry and personal transformation. Bickle encourages believers to adopt a fasted lifestyle, which includes not only fasting from food but also from distractions in time and money, to deepen their intimacy with God. He highlights that fasting is a normative practice in Christianity, essential for spiritual growth and understanding God's plans. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a collective response to the current crises through prayer and fasting, urging the church to seek God's intervention and guidance.
Understanding the New Testament Call to Fasting
By Mike Bickle201:10:59FastingSpiritual GrowthMAT 6:17Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of fasting in the New Testament, presenting it as a normal part of the Christian life rather than a radical practice. He explains that fasting positions believers to receive more from the Holy Spirit and to cooperate in bringing change to their circumstances. Bickle highlights the dual nature of fasting, where it serves both as a means of expressing desperation for more of God and as a celebration of the relationship believers have with Him. He encourages the church to engage in fasting as a community, recognizing its role in preparing for revival amidst societal challenges. Ultimately, fasting is portrayed as a pathway to deeper intimacy with God and greater spiritual effectiveness.
A Personal Testimony
By John Follette0PSA 34:17MAT 6:17JHN 14:6ROM 8:182CO 4:16COL 3:21TH 5:172TI 3:16HEB 11:1John Follette emphasizes the importance of living with a heavenly perspective while being grounded on earth, teaching from personal experiences and revelations given by the Holy Spirit. He highlights the discipline, schooling, and sufferings he endured to gain authority in preaching the Truth. Follette stresses the delicate process of receiving spiritual revelation and the necessity of patient waiting, observing, studying, praying, surrendering, and dying to self. He encourages openness to God's Truth, the ministry of the cross of Christ, and the liberating power of the Word of God. Follette shares insights on prayer, faith, detachment from worldly possessions, and the eternal satisfaction found only in God.
The Practice of Fasting
By Michael Durham02CH 20:2JON 3:5MAT 4:2MAT 6:17LUK 5:33ACT 13:2ACT 14:23HEB 11:6Michael Durham preaches on the significance of fasting as a spiritual discipline, emphasizing that fasting is a tool used by Jesus and His apostles to unplug from the world and connect with the power of God. He explains the wrong ideas about fasting, highlighting that fasting is not about legalism, manipulating God, or spiritual bribery, but rather about seeking God's pleasure above all else. Durham delves into the definition of fasting as the self-denial of routine pleasures to gain pleasure in God, emphasizing that fasting is a means to express hunger for God and humble the flesh. He explores different fasting methods, lengths, frequencies, and purposes, including seeking guidance, help in difficult times, and ministry endeavors like missions and evangelism, ultimately stressing that fasting is for God's sake and to create a hunger for Him.
Bread & Fishes
By John Follette0MAT 6:17MAT 14:15MAT 16:242CO 12:9PHP 3:10John Follette emphasizes the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth, recognizing that only the Lord can satisfy our deep inner longings. He highlights the need to surrender all that we possess, stop counting our limitations, and have faith in God's ability to provide. Follette shares his personal journey of consecration and surrender, illustrating the transformative power of giving everything to the Lord. He stresses the significance of enduring sufferings and trials in secret, allowing God to use our inadequacies to bless others and bring eternal satisfaction.
Mortification of the Flesh a Scripture Duty
By J.H. Newman0DEU 9:91KI 19:8DAN 9:3MAT 6:17MAT 11:18LUK 2:37ACT 10:30ACT 14:231CO 9:27In this sermon by J.H. Newman, the importance of bodily privation and chastisement as a duty to serve God and prepare for His presence is highlighted through the examples of holy men in Scripture. The fasting practices of Moses, Elijah, and Daniel are discussed, showing how fasting was connected to divine contemplation, intercession for sinners, and seeking God through prayer and supplications. The sermon also addresses the misconception that fasting is only relevant to the Old Testament, emphasizing that moral acts, humiliation, prayer, and meditation are timeless disciplines. Furthermore, the New Testament illuminates the duty of fasting, with examples from St. John the Baptist, Jesus instructing His disciples to fast, and the austere character of Christian obedience.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Personal
By John Follette0PRO 3:5MAT 6:17JHN 14:6JHN 17:20ROM 8:261CO 2:102CO 5:17EPH 6:181TH 5:17HEB 4:12John Follette emphasizes the importance of living with a heavenly perspective while being grounded on earth, teaching from personal experiences and revelations rather than mere theory. He shares how the Holy Spirit has given him vision and discernment in understanding the Truth, which he has patiently discovered and organized over the years. Follette highlights the delicate process of receiving spiritual revelation and the necessity of going through personal 'hells' to appreciate the light of God's truth. He encourages a life of detachment, constant prayer, and faith, emphasizing the transformative power of the Word of God and the cross of Jesus Christ.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face--as the Jews did, except when mourning (Dan 10:3); so that the meaning is, "Appear as usual"--appear so as to attract no notice.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But thou, when thou fastest,.... Christ allows of fasting, but what is of a quite different kind from that of the Jews; which lay not in an outward abstinence from food, and other conveniences of life, and refreshments of nature; but in an abstinence from sin, in acknowledgment and confession of it; and in the exercise of faith and hope in God, as a God pardoning iniquity, transgression and sin; wherefore cheerfulness, and a free use of the creatures, without an abuse of them, best became such persons. Anoint thine head, and wash thy face; directly contrary to the Jewish canons, which forbid these things, with others, on fast days: "On the day of atonement, (say (i) they,) a man is forbidden eating and drinking, "and washing and anointing", and putting on of shoes, and the use of the bed.'' And the same were forbidden on other fasts: in anointings, the head was anointed first, and this rule and reason are given for it: "he that would anoint his whole body, , "let him anoint his head first", because it is king over all its members (k).'' Anointing and washing were signs of cheerfulness and joy; see Rut 3:3. (i) Misn. Yoma, c. 8. sect. 1. & Taanith, c. 1. sect. 4, 5, 6. T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 77. 2. Taanith, fol. 12. 2. Moses Kotsensis Mitzvot Tora, pr. affirm. 32. (k) T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 61. 1.