What does the Bible say about fasting?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline presented throughout Scripture, though it is not explicitly commanded for Christians. Rather than a legalistic requirement, the Bible portrays fasting as a powerful practice that deepens a believer’s dependence on God. From the Old Testament to the New, fasting is closely tied to prayer, repentance, and seeking divine guidance. Jesus Himself affirmed its value, setting an example for His followers. While fasting is not a means of manipulating God, it serves as a symbolic act of reliance on Him, shaping the hearts and minds of believers in their spiritual journey.
Scripture defines fasting primarily as abstaining from food for a set period, allowing the individual to focus intently on God. Joel 2:12-13 calls for fasting as an act of returning to the Lord “with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” This passage makes clear that fasting is not a mere external act but should reflect genuine repentance and dependence on God. The purpose of fasting is not to earn divine favor but to refocus attention on God, humbling oneself before Him and seeking a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. Isaiah 58:6-7 reinforces this, showing that a fast acceptable to God involves justice, mercy, and caring for others, not merely self-denial.
Jesus both practiced and taught on fasting, reinforcing its role in the life of a believer. Before beginning His public ministry, He fasted for forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2), demonstrating complete reliance on the Father. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructed His followers on how to fast, warning against hypocrisy: “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret” (Matthew 6:17-18). Here, Jesus assumes that His disciples will fast, yet He emphasizes that it should be done with humility, not as a performance for human approval. Fasting, in this sense, is an act of devotion and expectation, preparing one’s heart for the work of God.
The Bible often links fasting with prayer and repentance, particularly in times of crisis or divine judgment. Daniel fasted while interceding for his people (Daniel 9:3), and Nehemiah fasted when mourning the state of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4). In Joel 2:15-16, the prophet calls for a sacred assembly, urging the entire nation to fast in response to the impending judgment. Communal fasting acknowledges that sin affects the whole body of God’s people and that seeking God’s mercy is a corporate responsibility. Therefore, fasting is not just an individual practice but a corporate act of seeking God’s favor, unity, and renewal.
Fasting remains a vital practice for spiritual growth, equipping believers to face spiritual battles with greater clarity and dependence on God. Alongside prayer, scripture meditation, and corporate worship, fasting sharpens one’s spiritual focus and aligns the heart with God’s purposes. It is not an isolated act but part of a holistic pursuit of God’s kingdom. As Jesus declared, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). In fasting, Jesus’s followers recognize that their ultimate sustenance comes from Him, and through this discipline, they grow in faith, discernment, and spiritual strength.
