Biblical Answer

Jesus teaches that Christians should fast in a spirit of repentance and humility. He emphasizes the importance of fasting as a means of spiritual discipline and a way to focus on God. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says, And 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. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men 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 (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus is not saying that Christians should not fast in public, but rather that they should not do it to impress others. He wants Christians to fast in a way that is pleasing to God, not to gain human recognition. By fasting in a spirit of humility and repentance, Christians can draw closer to God and experience spiritual growth. Fasting is a powerful tool for spiritual discipline, and it can help Christians to focus on God and His will for their lives. Jesus assumes that his disciples will fast, and he encourages them to do so in a way that is pleasing to God.

Jesus also teaches that Christians should fast as a means of spiritual preparation for times of spiritual drought or spiritual crisis. In Matthew 9:15, Jesus says, The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast (Matthew 9:15). The bridegroom refers to Jesus himself, who is the spiritual leader of his followers. When Jesus is absent, his followers will fast as a means of spiritual preparation for his return. Fasting can help Christians to prepare themselves spiritually for times of spiritual drought or spiritual crisis, and it can help them to stay focused on God during difficult times. Jesus encourages his followers to fast in a way that is voluntary and sincere, rather than as a means of impressing others. By fasting in a spirit of repentance and humility, Christians can experience spiritual growth and draw closer to God.

In conclusion, Jesus teaches that Christians should fast in a spirit of repentance and humility, and as a means of spiritual preparation for times of spiritual drought or spiritual crisis. Fasting is a powerful tool for spiritual discipline, and it can help Christians to focus on God and His will for their lives. By fasting in a way that is pleasing to God, Christians can experience spiritual growth and draw closer to God. Jesus assumes that his followers will fast, and he encourages them to do so in a way that is voluntary and sincere, rather than as a means of impressing others. By following Jesus' teachings on fasting, Christians can deepen their relationship with God and experience the spiritual growth and transformation that comes from fasting.