Should Christians fast?

First, let’s consider why Jesus fasted. Was it some form of self-abasement or torture? No. Jesus’ fasting enabled Him to sharpen His focus on the things of God and His mission to save the world. While it temporarily weakened Him physically, it actually strengthened and braced Him spiritually. When the devil came with his temptations, Jesus was ready to overcome.

There are many other biblical precedents for fasting. Queen Esther, for example, fasted without food or water for three days when her people were threatened with extermination (Esther 4:16). Instead of feasting as a typical queen would, she put aside her own physical needs to fast, praying for the deliverance of her people. God heard her prayers and delivered them.

But what about Christians living today? Should we fast? Jesus told His disciples that after He returned to heaven, there would be times when fasting would be appropriate. “The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days” (Luke 5:35). In addition, Jesus said there are some difficult challenges that can only be overcome when we pray and fast (Matthew 17:21).

While fasting is clearly taught in the New Testament, before doing so, you should carefully consider the state of your health. If you’re in good health and are seeking guidance or a blessing, or have an urgent request for the Lord, fasting might be appropriate. There is no reason to believe that fasting for Christians is obsolete.

Remember also that fasting isn’t always about abstaining from all food. It can mean abstinence from a variety of things. For example, some people do a “fruit fast” and eat only fruit for a time. Others refrain from eating sweets. If for some reason you can’t complete a food fast, you could consider a TV or media fast (for some people, that might be more difficult than going without food!).

With the right attitude and humbleness of heart, fasting at proper times can be a form of worship and devotion to God, a way to seek His guidance and be drawn closer to Him.

Key Bible Texts

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. (Matthew 4:2 KJV)