Fasting

” And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” (Matthew 6:16, ESV)

It is interesting that Jesus, in giving the principles of the Kingdom, stated, “And when you fast.” These words mark a presupposition that true citizens of the Kingdom will fast. The word translated fast, nesteuo, means to abstain as a religious exercise from food and drink (Strong, G3522). Jesus indicated that within the normal activities of the Christian there will be the practice of abstaining from food and drink.

We must note that we have no New Testament command to fast. In fact, there is only one biblical command to fast and this was for Israel on the “Day of Atonement.”

“And it shall be a statute to you forever that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict yourselves and shall do no work, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you.” (Leviticus 16:29, ESV)

The nation of Israel fasted in the fulfillment of this command for self-affliction. This command ceased with the finished work of Christ, atoning for sin in His death on the cross. Never the less, the teaching of the Old and New Testament Scriptures clearly establishes a precedent for fasting.

So, what does fasting do? First, let us look at what it should not become. Fasting should not become a show designed to impress others. This clearly is what Jesus stated in the Matthew passage.

““And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” (Matthew 6:16, ESV)

The Pharisees fasted to show others that they were super-spiritual men. Thus, they lost all benefit.

Moreover, we should not fast as some sort of superstitious exercise, which considers fasting as a ritual that brings about what we desire.

Fasting is an important discipline of for the Christian. Regarding this discipline, John Calvin stated the following.

“Many for want of knowing its usefulness undervalue its necessity. And some reject it all together as superfluous, while on the other hand, where the proper use of fasting is not understood, it easily degenerates into superstition.”

So, what is fasting? In the Leviticus passage, we see the heart of the fast. Let me read the passage again.

“And it shall be a statute to you forever that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict yourselves and shall do no work, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you.” (Leviticus 16:29, ESV)

This verse moved Israel to fast on the “Day of Atonement.” In this verse, the Hebrew word for “afflict” is anah, which means to humble or to afflict (Strong, H6031). The idea of this verse in its context is one of self-denial as an act of humility. Fasting is that act of depriving oneself of food and drink as a heartfelt recognition of our own inabilities and our need for God. It is our preface in times of desperation when we come to the end of ourselves and seek after God.

Therefore, true citizens of the Kingdom will fast. It is an expectation that Christians will routinely enter these times of desperate dependence upon God and humble themselves in this way. Thus, while fasting is not always a part of prayer, prayer is always a part of fasting.