Biblical Answer

Jesus fasts for forty days, which is reminiscent of Moses' experience at Sinai (Exod. 34:28). However, it is unclear whether Jesus' fast was total or if he was limited to subsisting on meager fare. After fasting for forty days, Jesus would have been in no condition to climb even a small hill unless he drew on the divine power available to him. This highlights the significance of Jesus' fast, which was not merely a physical endurance test, but a spiritual trial that prepared him for his mission.

The New Testament provides limited information about fasting after Jesus' time. However, Jesus' statement in Mark 2:19, "When the Messiah himself is present, no one fasts," suggests that fasting is not necessary during this present church age. Instead, Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer and living a life that reflects Christian values. In Luke 7:34, Jesus describes John the Baptist's disciples as fasting, but notes that Jesus himself did not fast in the same way. He is the Bridegroom, and his followers are his disciples, and during this present church age, he has been taken away from them until the day he returns.

In Matthew 6:16, Jesus instructs his disciples to fast, saying, "And when you fast." This suggests that Jesus assumes his followers will fast at some point, but does not specify when or why. In Matthew 9:15, Jesus says, "The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast." This statement implies that there will be times when fasting is necessary, but does not provide further clarification. Overall, Jesus' teachings on fasting emphasize the importance of prayer and living a life that reflects Christian values, rather than fasting as a means of spiritual discipline.