asting is discussed in several places within the Bible. Here are some key references:
- Matthew 6:16-18 – When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
- Acts 13:2-3 – While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
- Joel 2:12-13 – Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
- Esther 4:16 – Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.
- Luke 4:1-2 – Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
What really is the biblical teaching on fasting?
Fasting, as presented in the Bible, is a deeply personal practice meant to enhance one’s spiritual connection with God. It’s not just about abstaining from food or drink; it’s about humbling oneself before God, seeking His guidance, and focusing on prayer without distractions. This act of devotion is meant to be a private matter between the individual and God, rather than a public display of one’s spirituality.
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches about the correct attitude towards fasting. He warns against fasting as a way to show off one’s piety to others, which He condemns as hypocritical. Instead, Jesus instructs that fasting should be done in a way that does not draw attention to oneself. By keeping the fast private, it becomes a genuine act of worship towards God, who sees all that is done in secret and rewards the sincerity of the individual’s heart.
The Bible also highlights instances where fasting is combined with prayer to seek God’s will and intervention. In Acts 13:2-3, while the early church was worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit directed them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. This shows that fasting can be a time of receiving guidance from the Holy Spirit, especially during important decisions or spiritual endeavors.
Fasting is also portrayed as a means of repentance and heartfelt return to God. Joel 2:12-13 calls for fasting combined with weeping and mourning to express true repentance and a desire to strengthen one’s relationship with God. This passage underscores the idea that fasting is not about external appearances («Rend your heart and not your garments»), but rather about a deep, internal transformation and returning to God with a sincere heart.
The book of Esther provides another perspective on fasting as a form of intercession. Esther asks all the Jews of Susa to fast with her for three days before she approaches the king with a request that could potentially save her people. Here, fasting is linked with seeking divine favor and support in times of great need.
Lastly, the example of Jesus Himself, who fasted for 40 days in the wilderness as described in Luke 4:1-2, highlights the significance of fasting in preparing for spiritual battles and significant life events. His fasting was a period of intense communion with God, preparing Him to withstand temptations and undertake His ministry.