Biblical Answer

Jesus said to fast in secret because he emphasized the value of fasting as a sign of repentance before God rather than as an effort to impress others with personal piety. He assumed that his disciples would continue to practice voluntary fasting based on spiritual interest and hunger. Jesus instructed his disciples to use a little makeup, so as not to appear as if they had been fasting, indicating that fasting should be a private matter between the individual and God.

The motivation behind Jesus' teaching on fasting is rooted in the understanding that fasting is not a means to gain attention or to demonstrate one's piety to others. Rather, it is a means of expressing one's dependence on God and seeking a deeper relationship with Him. Jesus' emphasis on fasting in secret suggests that it is a personal and intimate act between the individual and God, rather than a public display of religiosity. This understanding is in line with the biblical principle of humility and the importance of seeking God's presence in secret.

In the context of Jesus' teachings, the idea of fasting in secret is closely tied to the concept of true spirituality and the pursuit of God's kingdom. Jesus warned against covetousness and anxiety by appealing for loyalty to God and trust in his compassionate care. He encouraged his disciples to focus on single-minded service to God, rather than being distracted by the pursuit of material wealth and status. By emphasizing the importance of fasting in secret, Jesus is teaching his disciples to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, and to seek spiritual growth and intimacy with Him in a private and personal way.