Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. Matthew 4:1-2 NLT
Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry. Luke 4:1-2 NLT
Jesus’s fast in the wilderness was a complete abstention from food. Fasting is practiced throughout the Bible.
Moses fasted for 40 days while receiving the law from God.
King David fasted when his son by Bathsheba was struck sick by God.
King Jehosaphat of Judah proclaimed a fast to obtain victory over their enemies.
The prophet Joel called for a fast to avert the judgment of God.
Queen Esther fasted before entreating for her people.
The people of Nineveh fasted in response to Jonah’s prophecy.
Jesus fasted in the wilderness before and during His temptation by Satan.
Paul fasted after encountering Christ on the road to Damascus.
The early church leaders fasted and prayed when there were important decisions to make.
Jesus indicates that His followers will fast.
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 NLT
Fasting has continued through Christian history. John Wesley fasted twice a week every week. Many others extol fasting’s virtues.
“Just as it would harm the stomach if it were always full or empty,
it does the soul harm when the body lives in constant pleasure.”
Hildegard of Bingen
“Properly speaking fasting consists in abstaining from food,
but speaking metaphorically it denotes abstinence from anything harmful,
and such especially is sin.”
St. Thomas Aquinas
Fasting has become a popular diet strategy these days. But it can be much more than that. We will explore some of the “Whys” of fasting tomorrow.