Note: This series is written as a first-person narrative in order to present Jesus in the context he walked with the unknown disciple that narrates presenting my thoughts and sparking more thoughts with his questions. Enjoy.
Jesus paused again. Then taking a breath, he says, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.”
Hypocrites…acting religious for the applause of people and personal gain, not for the interests of God. How then, I wondered, should we fast?
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others 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.”
“That’s different,” James remarked. He’s right.
He’s right. When I fast, I don’t eat, wash my clothes, shave, or put oil on my head. If I was married that would mean no intercourse with my wife either. Jesus is saying fasting is to please God, not to make me look good. It’s about me and Him, to help me to learn to depend on Him more.
Jesus seems to be shifting from how to deal with the world to how to deal with this one and the next world…
Matthew 6:16-18
A Ronin's Journey 