The first direct mention of fasting as a spiritual practice appears in Judges 20:26, where the Israelites sought the Lord after suffering defeat in battle:
“Then all the children of Israel, that is, all the people, went up and came to the house of God and wept. They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.”
Here, fasting was tied to deep sorrow, repentance, and a desperate seeking of God’s guidance. Although fasting may have been practiced earlier, this explicit mention provides a foundation for understanding it as a response to crisis and a means to humble oneself before God.
Why the Jews Fasted
Fasting was a significant part of Jewish spiritual life and was often connected to specific purposes:
Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness
One of the most well-known Jewish fasts is on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), as commanded in Leviticus 16:29-31:
“This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all… For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.”
Fasting was a sign of humility and acknowledgment of sin.
National Crises and Mourning
In 2 Chronicles 20:3, King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast when Judah faced imminent invasion:
“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.”
Similarly, in the book of Esther, the Jews fasted when Haman plotted their destruction (Esther 4:3, 16).
Expressing Grief
Fasting often accompanied mourning, as seen in 1 Samuel 31:13, when the men of Jabesh Gilead fasted for Saul and his sons after their deaths in battle.
Why Jesus Fasted
Jesus’ fast is recorded in Matthew 4:1-2:
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.”
Jesus’ fast served several purposes:
Preparation for Ministry
Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted to align Himself fully with the Father’s will. This exemplifies the importance of spiritual preparation.
Resisting Temptation
The fasting period tested Jesus’ obedience and reliance on God. When Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread, Jesus responded,
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4).
Dependence on God
Jesus’ fast modeled a life of surrender, emphasizing that physical needs are secondary to spiritual ones.
The Spiritual Practice of Fasting
Fasting is a discipline that helps believers focus on God by setting aside physical sustenance to seek Him earnestly. Isaiah 58:6-7 highlights the kind of fasting God desires:
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out?”
Fasting should never be merely ritualistic; instead, it must be rooted in humility and love for others. The practice of fasting can deepen our prayer life, increase spiritual clarity, and cultivate dependence on God. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches,
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Here, Jesus instructs believers to fast privately, with a focus on God rather than outward appearances. The reward of fasting lies in drawing closer to the Father, not in receiving the praise of others.
The Danger of Using Fasting to Appear Holier Than Thou
Jesus strongly rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocritical fasting. In Luke 18:12, the Pharisee prays,
“I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.”
Rather than humbling himself before God, he used fasting as a means to elevate himself above others. Such prideful fasting contradicts the very purpose of the practice.
Isaiah 58 further warns against fasting that lacks sincerity:
“Indeed you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, to make your voice heard on high.” (Isaiah 58:4).
True fasting aligns our hearts with God’s purposes, fostering humility and service, not self-righteousness.
My Final Thoughts
Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that connects us to God, aligns us with His will, and demonstrates our dependence on Him. However, it must be approached with a heart of humility and sincerity, not as a performance for others or a means to appear more spiritual. Whether in preparation, repentance, or intercession, fasting should always point us back to God and His glory.
If you’ve never fasted or find it difficult, begin with small, intentional steps. Ask God to guide your motives and reveal areas of your life where fasting could draw you closer to Him. As Jesus demonstrated, fasting isn’t about deprivation for its own sake but about feeding our souls on every word that comes from God.
