Matthew 6:17

Thursday, 9 January 2025

 

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, Matthew 6:17

 

“And you, fasting, you anoint your head, and your face - you wash” (CG).

 

Jesus just stated words concerning how the hypocrites fast, noting that in their hypocrisy, they have received their reward. Now, instructing His disciples on how fasting should be conducted, He says, “And you, fasting, you anoint.”

 

The word aleipho, to anoint, is introduced. Of it, HELPS Word Studies says, “Anointing ... usually applied olive oil on the face, to refresh a guest. Oil was also applied to the feet to soothe and show honor (courtesy, respect). Anointing shares a "penetrating comfort" to impart strength and healing (joy).” They also say that “Anointing brought healing and relief and hence became synonymous with gladness (festivity).”

 

This is the idea behind these words of Ecclesiastes –

 

“Go, eat your bread with joy,
And drink your wine with a merry heart;
For God has already accepted your works.
8 Let your garments always be white,
And let your head lack no oil.” Ecclesiastes 9:7, 8

 

What seems contrary to the idea of fasting, which is often associated with mourning, Jesus tells His disciples that they should outwardly display a sense of joy. As noted in the previous commentary, the only fast mandated in the law was that of the Day of Atonement –

 

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 27 ‘Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. 28 And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. 29 For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. 30 And any person who does any work on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. 31 You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 32 It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.’” Leviticus 23:26-32

 

The afflicting of the souls was inclusive of fasting. Though anointing oneself, a symbol of joy and blessing, is seemingly contrary to the idea of fasting, when taken in light of this mandate of the law, it makes perfect sense. The Day of Atonement was the day when sins were atoned for.

 

God was graciously granting a covering and, thus, a release from their sins. Though afflicting one’s soul through fasting, it was also a day of the highest joy of all. This day anticipated the cross of Jesus Christ and the permanent removal of sin. It is the day in which Christians have rejoiced over for two millennia.

 

Being the only mandated fast of the law, any other fast would pale in comparison. Thus, one’s actions on this day set the benchmark for any other fasting that would take place. Therefore, Jesus next says to each disciple to “anoint your head.”

 

This is just what Solomon pointed out as a symbol of joy and being merry. Instead of walking around morbidly, a person should shine from the joyful oil that comes even with a heavy heart or an empty stomach. Further, He says, “and your face - you wash.”

 

Unlike the hypocrites who masked their faces, looking like the pall of death had come upon them, Jesus tells them to have a clean and bright countenance. Being of a happy countenance indicates one’s belief that all is ok. In understanding that God is in control, even on days of affliction or mourning. It is a way of showing the world that one actually believes this is so.

 

Life application: If you are on social media, it is often the case that you will see people who constantly moan about their situation. They are downers who will only bring others down. They are looking for sympathy and attention.

 

There are people that will reservedly note that there is trouble in their lives but will not dwell on it. There are also people who are positive all the time, even when you know that they have had trials, they are still upbeat.

 

Everyone has a different reason for how they project themselves. But if you know that people who are upbeat in an outward fashion, even when they may be suffering, calm your soul, then think about how you can calm others by presenting a similar attitude.

 

Do your best to show a cheery side towards others. It can be infectious and, despite your own troubles, you may cheer up someone who is worse off than you. This is good, and every good deed you do in faith as a Christian will receive its reward.

 

Glorious Lord God, help us to be positive and cheerful in this world, knowing that we are saved through the precious blood of Christ. May our joy in Your salvation radiate out to others so that they will want the same joy that we possess. Help us in this, O God. Amen.