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This is the third of four areas in which we are warned by Christ of the danger of hypocrisy. First was in the giving of alms, second was in the offering of prayers and now we look at what should be our attitude toward religious ordinances and "right living".
In these three verses Christ assumes that fasting is practiced by his followers. Fasting, in itself, is not a required ordinance of the church, but if the observance of it will aid you in any way in living a better Christian life, then it becomes a useful tool. The observance of Lent by some denominations, is a good example of this ordinance. The Pharisees fasted twice a week. This, in itself, was fine but it became an opportunity for boasting and this is what Christ condemned. We are to observe it without proclaiming it, do it in private, remaining cheerful, without complaining. Fasting is described as the "humbling of the soul" and if rightly done, will result in an "everlasting feast".
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