Freedom in Christ Ministries

Jesus Calls Us To Fast

Christians are invited to fast as part of their devotion to God. Throughout Scripture, fasting is presented as a God-appointed means of humbling the soul, turning from sin, seeking spiritual deliverance and direction.

"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites" Matthew 6:16

In the Sermon on the Mount, we find Jesus repeating the expression "When you" as it relates to three spiritual disciplines; giving, prayer and fasting. Jesus revealed three dimensions to our spiritual life near the opening of His Sermon on the Mount:

When you give — Matthew 6:2
When you pray — Matthew 6:5
When you fast — Matthew 6:16

Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, fasted in the desert to prepare for ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). He also expected that his followers would fast when He was gone (see also Matthew 9:15). Just as baptism is done out of obedience to our Lord - an outward sign of inward faith - so too is fasting an outward sign of inward faith. But our fasting is personal, just as our prayer and giving, and should be guided by our heart according to His guidance.

"It is here supposed that religious fasting is a duty required of the disciples of Christ, when God, in his providence, calls to it, and when the case of their own souls upon any account requires it" Matthew Henry

Perhaps the best answer to the question Why should I fast? is the simple reality: Jesus said His followers would fast.

"The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast." Matthew 9:15

Purposes of Fasting

Scripture reveals the following purposes of fasting. The heart of fasting is humility before the Lord. This comes in many forms with many fruits. As we draw closer to God, we inevitably become more humbled by our own humanity. God intervenes in our lives according to His will in forgiveness, deliverance, answered prayer and guidance.

To humble the soul
1 Kings 21:27–29; Psalm 35:13
To demonstrate contrition in repentance
2 Samuel 12:15–16; Jonah 3; Joel 2:12
For deliverance in spiritual warfare
Matthew 17:20–21; Mark 9:28–29
For answered prayer
Isaiah 58:9; Ezra 8:21–23; Acts 13:2; 14:23
For discerning God's will
Daniel 9:3, 10:3; 2 Chronicles 20:3

Types of Fasts in the Bible

Fasting, like anything spiritual, should be from the heart. There are many approaches to fasting found in the Bible. We should avoid legalistic approaches - and fast from the heart for God.

Sunset to sunset (Day of Atonement fast) — Leviticus 23:27–32
Twice-a-week fast — Luke 18:10–14
Three-day fast — Esther 4:15–16
No-meat fast — Daniel 1:8–16
Twenty-one day fast — Daniel 10:1–3
Forty-day fast — Matthew 4:2

Proper Fasting

In addition to the call for private devotion found in the Sermon on the Mount, God offers through the prophet Isaiah the form of fasting which He refers to "a proper fast'

Do not draw attention to your fast — Matthew 6:16–18
A time set apart from wickedness — Isaiah 58:6
A time of contrite repentance — Joel 2:12
A time focused on humility — Psalm 35:13
A time breaking worldly bonds — Isaiah 58:6
A time for feeding the hungry — Isaiah 58:7
A time for clothing the naked — Isaiah 58:7

Fasting in the early Church

While Scripture alone is sufficient for us to engage in fasting for God, understanding the faith of the early Christian church can help our understanding of fasting as part of Christian life.

The early church fasted together — Acts 13:2–3; 14:23
The Didache (c. 50 AD) reveals that the first century taught weekly on Wednesday and Friday
Second century evidence exists supporting fasting during the 40 days prior to Easter (Lent).
The Shepherd of Hermas (c. 160 AD) discusses the nature of fasting and recommends giving to the poor on the day of fasting

Tips for Beginning a Fast