Fasting: A Neglected Spiritual Discipline

In his teaching on spiritual disciplines in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses three key practices: giving (Matthew 6:1–4), praying (Matthew 6:9–14), and fasting (Matthew 6:15–18). While Christians often focus on the first two, fasting remains perhaps the most neglected spiritual discipline in contemporary Christian practice.

Jesus begins his instruction on fasting by clarifying what it is not. “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others” (v. 16). The Pharisees had transformed fasting into a performance—deliberately appearing dishevelled and hungry. They sought recognition and praise from others for their apparent piety.

This approach completely misses the purpose of fasting. When someone fasts to draw attention to themselves, Jesus declares, “Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward” (v. 16). Their reward is human recognition, nothing more—fleeting and spiritually empty.

Fasting can be defined as denying yourself food with the right heart attitude in order to deepen your dependency on God for worship. Notice Jesus’ language: “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” (vv. 17–18).

Jesus doesn’t say “if you fast” but “when you fast.” This suggests that fasting should be a regular practice for his followers. He instructs us to maintain normal appearance and hygiene while fasting—not to dishonestly hide the fast, but to ensure that our motivation remains pure. Fasting is for God’s eyes, not human applause.

Throughout Scripture, we see fasting practised both individually and corporately. In Acts 13:2, the early church “worshipped and fasted” as part of their regular spiritual practice. The congregation fasted before appointing deacons (Acts 6) and before sending out missionaries (Acts 13–14). Peter was fasting when he received the vision that led to the inclusion of Gentiles in the church (Acts 10).

Jesus himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness, demonstrating the intimate connection between fasting and spiritual warfare. When tempted to turn stones into bread, he (quoting Deuteronomy 8:3) responded, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Seeing, then, that Jesus assumed his people would fast, and that the apostolic church set an example of fasting, how should we fast? Here are seven practical suggestions to help as you think about this spiritual discipline.

First, fast with a specific purpose. Fasting should have a clear spiritual focus—perhaps to strengthen prayer, battle specific sin, seek restoration in relationships, or grow in sanctification. Whatever the reason, it should ultimately bring glory to God.

Second, fast prayerfully. Jesus didn’t connect prayer and fasting arbitrarily. Fasting without prayer is merely skipping meals. Authentic fasting amplifies our prayers, focusing our dependence on God.

Third, fast with anticipation. Jesus promised that the Father “who sees in secret will reward you” (v. 18). While the specific reward isn’t defined, Scripture shows God responding to faithful fasting with guidance, sanctification, and increased intimacy with him.

Fourth, fast privately (though sometimes corporately). Individual fasting should generally remain private, avoiding self-promotion. However, Scripture also shows examples of corporate fasting, where communities unite in seeking God together (Nehemiah 9; Acts 13–14). The key is maintaining pure motivation.

Fifth, fast to grow in dependence on God. When we voluntarily abstain from food, we acknowledge our human frailty. Hunger reminds us that we depend on God for everything—not just spiritual nourishment, but physical sustenance as well. As Deuteronomy 8:3 says, “he humbled you and let you hunger” to teach dependence on his provision.

Sixth, fast with joy. Contrary to popular perception, Christian fasting isn’t meant to be gloomy. Jesus specifically instructs us to “anoint your head and wash your face” (v. 17)—symbols of joy and celebration in ancient culture. We fast with confidence that God hears our prayers.

Seventh, fast in light of Christ’s work. In the Old Testament, fasting was particularly connected to the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23), when Israel mourned sin and offered blood sacrifices for atonement. But Jesus has fulfilled this through his own sacrifice. When asked why his disciples didn’t fast, Jesus replied, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?” (Matthew 9:15). While Jesus indicated his followers would fast after his ascension (Matthew 9:15), our fasting now takes on a new character. We fast not in mourning but in hope, not seeking atonement but celebrating that it has been accomplished. We fast as those already reconciled to God through Christ.

What is the reward Jesus promises to those who fast with right motives? While he doesn’t specify, the biblical pattern suggests the reward is a deeper knowledge of God himself. When we temporarily set aside physical nourishment, we create space for increased spiritual nourishment. We learn from experience that Jesus truly is “the bread of life” (John 6:35), sustaining us beyond mere physical food.

As we engage in this often-neglected spiritual discipline, may we discover what Jesus knew in the wilderness: True nourishment comes not just from bread, but from “every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). In fasting, we taste and see that the Lord is good, growing in our dependency on him and our anticipation of the ultimate feast in his kingdom.