FASTING

 

Maybe the only time we’re familiar with fasting today is when you need to undergo a medical test the next day, or when you cut back on food to achieve your long-time goal of dieting. Many Christians see fasting as an old tradition that feels irrelevant to modern believers. Perhaps it’s also because this topic is rarely discussed in churches anymore, which makes it seem “strange” to us now. So, ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about fasting.

𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀

In the Bible, fasting means abstaining from food or drink for a certain period of time. Sometimes, instead of using the single word fast, the biblical writers used the phrase afflict the soul to describe fasting (Lev 16:29–31; Num 30:13; Isa 58:3; etc.). Modern translations like NIV and ESV often render it as deny oneself or humble oneself to give us a clearer picture of what fasting signifies. In essence, fasting is a way of denying our cravings or needs for a time—an act of humility.

Back then, fasting was associated with special occasions. The only officially required fast was during the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:29; Num 29:7; etc.). But people also fasted in response to certain situations, like repentance for sin and pleading for God to withhold or remove His judgment (e.g., 1 Sam 7:6; Jer 36:9; 1 Kings 21:27; etc.). Fasting was also practiced as a form of request, as in the cases of David (2 Sam 12:6) and Jehoshaphat (2 Chron 20:3–4). Some biblical figures fasted in preparation for something extraordinary: Moses fasted before receiving the Law (Ex 34:28), Jesus fasted before beginning His public ministry (Matt 4:2), and the early church fasted before sending Paul and Barnabas on mission (Acts 13:2–3). Beyond religious purposes, fasting was often connected with mourning (2 Sam 1:12; 1 Chron 10:12; etc.). Nehemiah mourned over Jerusalem’s ruins and fasted (Neh 1:3–4). The Jews in Esther’s time fasted because of the looming threat against them (Esth 4:3). Some scholars even note that fasting may have developed from the common human experience of losing appetite in times of grief. The prophets, however, warned against fasting without genuine spiritual change (Isa 58; Jer 14:12; etc.).

How long should fasting last? The common practice was one full day, ending by evening (Judg 20:26; 1 Sam 14:24; 2 Sam 1:12; etc.). Longer fasts were special cases (Ex 34:28; 1 Chron 10:12; Matt 4:2; etc.). There were also partial fasts, where only certain foods were avoided—like Daniel and his companions who ate only vegetables (Dan 1:12–15), or John the Baptist who ate only locusts and honey (Matt 3:4). Others practiced absolute fasts with no food or drink at all, such as Moses (Ex 34:28), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), and the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5–7).

𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆

In the New Testament, fasting continued as a common Jewish practice, seen as a mark of religious devotion (Lk 2:37; 18:12). So it’s not surprising that the early Christians also fasted. The church in Antioch fasted before sending Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2–3). Paul fasted and prayed with others when appointing leaders (Acts 14:23). Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights before His public ministry (Matt 4:2). Yet, since the Gospels also show that He and His disciples were often seen eating together, we can infer that fasting was not something He required of them. For Christ, fasting—associated with mourning—did not match the joy of having the Messiah present (Matt 9:14–17; Mk 2:18–22; Lk 5:33–39). Moreover, Jesus strongly opposed fasting as a show of religiosity to impress others (Matt 6:16–18). Some references to fasting in Matt 17:21 and Mk 9:29 are most likely later additions, not part of the original text.

So how should we, as believers today, view fasting? Jesus never commanded it, but neither did He forbid it. Because it was a common practice then, He simply taught the right way to do it. The early Christians practiced fasting to seek God’s guidance, influenced by their Jewish background. Since the only fasting command was in the Mosaic law—which has long been fulfilled and is no longer binding—we are not obligated to fast. Still, fasting remains a valuable spiritual discipline. We may freely choose to practice it—whether partial or total, short or extended—as long as our hearts are rightly aligned. Whether you choose a Daniel-type fast, a one-day fast, or even forty days without food, it’s your choice. Just remember, Christ rejects fasting as a display of self-righteousness. That’s why His words cut sharply against hypocritical fasting.

Though fasting itself is not commanded, the principle behind it still applies: self-denial. Christ calls His followers to complete surrender, and following Him means dying to self (Matt 16:24). Fasting serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to rely on His strength in our weakness. Stay Curious.

Sources and Studies:

Beck, J. (2013). “Fast”. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘐𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴. Baker Books
Douglas, J.D. (Gen Ed.). (1986). “Fasting”. 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺. Zondervan
McKenzie, J.L (1965). “Fast”. 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. McMillian Publishing.