Biblical Answer

Jesus did fast, and it is recorded in the Bible as a significant event in his life. The Bible describes Jesus fasting for forty days in the wilderness before he began his public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-2). This experience is compared to Moses' experience on Mount Sinai, where he fasted for forty days before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). During Jesus' forty-day fast, he was tempted by Satan, but he resisted the temptations and remained faithful to God (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13).

Jesus' experience of fasting is not unique to his life, as it is a practice that is also mentioned in the New Testament as something that his followers should do. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches his disciples how to fast, and he assumes that they will fast. He says, "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full." Jesus is teaching his disciples that fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be done in private, not to impress others. He also says, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This statement emphasizes the importance of spiritual rebirth and renewal, which fasting can help to bring about.

In addition to Jesus' experience of fasting, the Bible also mentions other instances of fasting in the New Testament. For example, in Acts 13:2-3, the early church fasted and prayed before choosing leaders for various roles. In Acts 14:23, the church leaders fasted and prayed before ordaining new leaders. These examples demonstrate that fasting was a common practice in the early Christian church, and it was seen as a way to seek God's guidance and wisdom. Jesus' teaching on fasting in Matthew 6:16-18 emphasizes the importance of fasting as a spiritual discipline that should be done in private, not to impress others. It is a way to seek God's guidance and wisdom, and to bring about spiritual rebirth and renewal.