Biblical Answer

Jesus emphasized the value of fasting as a sign of repentance before God rather than as an effort to impress others with personal piety. He assumed that his disciples would continue to practice voluntary fasting based on spiritual interest and hunger. Jesus almost personified the future time when the church would fast, saying, And when you fast (Matt. 6:16). Moreover, Jesus also says, The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast (Matt. 9:15). He is the Bridegroom, we are his disciples, and during this present church age he has been taken away from us until the day he returns. Most western Christians do not fast, but, if we were willing to fast more regularlyeven for one or two mealswe would be more like Jesus and his followers who prayed and fasted often.

Fasting is hard, especially at first. Though it grows much easier with regular practice. But the hangry feelings that come up meals often expose the arenas of our soul most in need of graceand, again, open us to God in surprising ways. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that allows us to literally pray with our bodies, offering all of ourselves to God. The secret to fasting is not giving up food, but spending time in the presence of God. Just going without food is only "good works," and God has never promised to bless legalism. Instead of pursuing self-denial for its own sake, we should focus on spending time with God, allowing our hunger to drive us deeper into His presence.

In Jesus' time, fasting was a common practice among Jewish people, and Jesus and his disciples would have been familiar with it. However, Jesus did not emphasize fasting as a requirement for his followers. Instead, he encouraged his disciples to fast voluntarily, based on spiritual interest and hunger. Jesus taught that fasting is a way to focus on God and to seek His presence, rather than as a means of impressing others or as a way to earn God's favor. By fasting, we can experience a deeper connection with God and grow in our relationship with Him. Fasting is not just about giving up food, but about spending time with God and allowing our hunger to drive us deeper into His presence. As we practice fasting, we can expect to experience a sense of spiritual renewal and growth, and a deeper understanding of God's love and presence in our lives.