Fasting

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others 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

Before fasting was trendy, the Jews did it. Well, actually, an issue of Jesus’ time was that fasting had become trendy. But for the wrong reasons. In this case, not for health benefits but for cultural ones.

Various religious people would make sure that people knew they were fasting. They’d screw up their face and appear weak, in the hope that someone might ask - what’s going on. Oh… I’m fasting. I’m doing it for the Lord you know.

No. Jesus calls out this behaviour. You aren’t doing it for the Lord, He says, you are doing it for your own gain.

Does this mean Christian’s shouldn’t fast? Well, there is no command to fast in the New Testament. But there also isn’t a command not to. And similar to the argument regarding infant baptism, where the New Testament is silent, we should err on what would have been expected to continue from the Old to New. 

And it makes sense. Not to fast for some social gains. But to fast in honour of Jesus. To take a break from eating to remind ourselves of the hunger Jesus experienced on our behalf. To deny ourselves physical pleasure in the hope of spiritual joys and to help us look forward to a day when we will be eternally satisfied.

For Today:

• Have you ever fasted? Why?
• Do you think it’s good to fast? Why/why not?
• Fast one meal this week and spend that time in prayer.

Pray:

• Praise the Father that He offers true pleasures to His people.
• Give thanks for Jesus who hungered and thirsted for our salvation.
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others fast for spiritual health reasons.