What Does Matthew 6:16 Mean?
Matthew 6:16 describes how Jesus teaches about fasting. He tells us not to appear sad or gloomy just to attract attention. Real fasting is private, between you and God.
Matthew 6:16
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward."
Key Facts
Book
Author
Matthew
Genre
Gospel
Date
Approximately 80-90 AD
Key People
Key Takeaways
- Fasting should be private, not performed for human praise.
- God rewards sincere worship done in secret.
- True spirituality seeks God, not public approval.
Fasting Without the Drama
This verse appears in the middle of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where he teaches his followers to honor God from the heart, not for show.
Jesus says when you fast, don’t display a sad face or make it obvious, because some do it to be noticed. He calls them hypocrites and says they already got their reward - the attention they wanted - so they won’t get anything more from God.
What Fasting Was Really About
In Jesus’ time, fasting was more than skipping meals; it signaled sorrow or spiritual longing, often during prayer or repentance.
Some people would mess up their appearance on purpose, like not washing their face, so others would see how ‘holy’ they were being. But Jesus says in Matthew 6:16, 'And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.'
Real faith isn’t about looking spiritual for others - it’s about quietly drawing close to God, where no one sees but him.
Fast with Joy, Not for Show
The heart of fasting isn’t suffering for attention - it’s drawing near to God in quiet trust.
Jesus wants our faith to be real, not a performance. When we skip the drama and focus on God alone, he sees what’s hidden and rewards us not with applause, but with himself.
Fasting That Pleases God
Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:16 echo what God has always wanted: hearts turned to Him, not performances for people.
Centuries earlier, Isaiah challenged Israel with God’s question: 'Is this the fast that I choose, to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord?' (Isaiah 58:3). Instead, God desired justice, freedom for the oppressed, and true compassion (Isaiah 58:6-7).
Joel also called for fasting that comes from the heart: 'Rend your hearts and not your garments' (Joel 2:13), showing that God has always valued inner change over outward show - and Jesus now fulfills that call by inviting us into real, honest relationship with Him.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I used to think spiritual discipline was about being seen - posting my quiet time on social media, sighing loudly when I skipped lunch 'for God,' hoping someone would notice how committed I was. But when I read Matthew 6:16, it hit me: I was performing, not praying. Jesus isn’t impressed by gloomy faces or obvious sacrifices. He sees the heart. Since then, I’ve begun fasting in secret - no announcements or hints - only me and God. And strangely, the pressure lifted. The guilt of not being 'holy enough' faded, replaced by a quiet joy. I’m not doing it for applause anymore. I’m doing it because I want to be close to Him.
Personal Reflection
- When have I made my faith visible more for people to see than for God to receive?
- What small act of worship could I do this week entirely in secret, between me and God?
- Am I more concerned with looking spiritual or actually growing closer to Jesus?
A Challenge For You
This week, choose one day to fast from food or a habit - not to impress anyone, but to draw near to God. Don’t tell anyone you’re doing it. When you feel the urge to mention it, pause and pray instead. Let God be your only audience.
A Prayer of Response
God, I admit I’ve wanted people to notice my efforts more than I’ve wanted You to see my heart. Forgive me for performing instead of trusting. Help me to fast, pray, and live for You alone. You see what’s hidden - thank You for being near even when no one else knows. Draw me close, not for show, but for love.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Matthew 6:14-15
These verses on forgiveness set the tone for genuine relationship with God, leading into Jesus’ teaching on private spiritual disciplines like fasting.
Matthew 6:17-18
Jesus immediately follows with instructions to wash your face when fasting, emphasizing joy and secrecy, deepening the call to authentic worship.
Connections Across Scripture
Isaiah 58:6-7
God defines true fasting as loosing chains and feeding the poor, showing that real devotion produces justice, not just personal sacrifice.
Joel 2:12-13
Joel calls for fasting with a broken heart, not torn clothes, reinforcing Jesus’ message that God desires inward sincerity over outward show.
Luke 18:9-14
The parable of the Pharisee and tax collector illustrates the danger of pride in religious acts, echoing Matthew 6:16’s warning against self-display.