In Matthew 9, Jesus doesn’t reject fasting—in fact, He affirms its place but reshapes how and why it’s done. He explains that His presence is a time for celebration, not fasting, but once He’s gone, fasting becomes a meaningful practice for His followers. Rather than a strict ritual or show, fasting is meant to come from a sincere heart seeking a deeper connection with God. Jesus emphasizes motivation over method, encouraging fasting as an act of love and longing, not obligation or public display.
This insight is crucial for anyone wanting to understand the spiritual purpose of fasting today. It’s not about earning favor but about drawing closer to Jesus, especially in times when you feel distant or in need of clarity. If you’re curious about how fasting fits into the Christian life and want to explore its biblical foundations more fully, keep reading for a deeper dive into what Jesus really meant in Matthew 9 and beyond.
Fasting has always been part of religious life, especially in Judaism and Christianity. But what does Jesus really say about fasting in Matthew 9? Some people think He dismissed it. Others believe He endorsed it. Let’s dig into what the Bible actually says, what Jesus meant, and what it means for you today.
The Scene: Jesus Questioned About Fasting
The key passage is Matthew 9:14-17. Here’s what it says:
“Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.’” (Matthew 9:14–15, ESV)
Right off the bat, Jesus is responding to a very specific question: Why aren’t your disciples fasting like we are?
Let’s break down His answer.
What Jesus Actually Says About Fasting
1. He Doesn’t Condemn Fasting
Jesus doesn’t say fasting is bad. He doesn’t say it’s unnecessary. In fact, He implies the opposite. The key phrase is:
“Then they will fast.”
He’s saying fasting has its place—just not while He’s physically present. Why? Because He compares Himself to a bridegroom. Imagine going to a wedding and refusing to eat. That’d be strange, right? Jesus is saying His presence brings joy and celebration, not mourning and abstaining.
2. Fasting is for a Future Time
Jesus is making it clear: there’s a time for fasting. That time is when:
- The “bridegroom” (Jesus) is taken away.
- His followers are no longer in His physical presence.
- There’s reason for reflection, mourning, or seeking God more deeply.
So yes, Jesus endorses fasting—but not as a legalistic practice. Instead, it’s something done out of longing, devotion, and spiritual hunger.
The Bigger Context: Old Wineskins and New Wine
Let’s look at the rest of the passage. Jesus continues:
“No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment… Neither is new wine put into old wineskins…” (Matthew 9:16–17)
These analogies are easy to overlook, but they’re important. Jesus is saying that His arrival changes everything. The old religious structures (like rigid fasting schedules) can’t contain the new movement He’s bringing. That doesn’t mean fasting is obsolete. It means the reason for fasting must change.
Old vs. New:
| Old Way | New Way in Jesus |
| Ritual fasting to earn favor | Voluntary fasting to seek relationship |
| Fasting on a fixed schedule | Fasting from a heart of love and longing |
| External show | Internal devotion |
Other Times Jesus Talks About Fasting
To get the full picture, you have to look at what else Jesus said.
Matthew 6:16-18 – “When You Fast…”
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites…”
Notice that Jesus says “when”, not “if”. That’s important. He assumes you’ll fast. But He warns against doing it for attention. He says:
- Don’t make a show of it.
- Do it quietly.
- Your Father sees what you do in secret.
So, again, Jesus isn’t anti-fasting. He’s anti-hypocrisy.
After the Resurrection
In the Book of Acts, after Jesus ascended, early Christians did fast. For example:
- Acts 13:2-3 – The church fasts before sending out missionaries.
- Acts 14:23 – Paul and Barnabas fast before appointing elders.
Clearly, they understood Jesus’ words in Matthew 9 to mean fasting would be part of Christian life, especially now that He wasn’t physically present.
Why Does This Matter for You?
You might be wondering: “So what? How does this apply to me?”
Here’s why it matters:
1. Fasting is Still Relevant
Jesus expects that you’ll fast—not out of obligation, but as a way to seek Him. It’s a spiritual tool, like prayer or worship. Fasting can help:
- Refocus your heart.
- Draw closer to God.
- Express repentance or dependence.
2. Your Motivation Matters
Jesus redefined the “why” behind fasting. It’s not about impressing people. It’s not about earning God’s favor. It’s about connection. If you fast, ask yourself:
- Am I doing this out of love for Jesus?
- Am I seeking clarity, comfort, or spiritual breakthrough?
If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right track.
3. You’re Not Earning Anything
Remember, fasting doesn’t make God love you more. It doesn’t “unlock” blessings like a magic trick. What it does is help you let go of distractions and tune in to God’s voice.
4. Jesus Is Worth Longing For
When Jesus said, “then they will fast”, He was pointing to a deep truth: fasting is an act of longing. It says, “Jesus, I want more of You.” If you’ve ever felt distant from God, fasting can be a way to return, re-center, and be reminded of His presence.
Final Thoughts: What Jesus Endorsed in Matthew 9
So let’s be clear:
✅ Jesus doesn’t reject fasting.
✅ He redefines it.
✅ He says it’s appropriate after His departure.
✅ He values heart over ritual.
Fasting, according to Jesus in Matthew 9, is not about religious duty. It’s about relationship. It’s something His followers would do not because they had to—but because they missed Him and wanted to seek Him more deeply.
If you’re thinking about fasting, don’t do it out of guilt. Do it because you want to know Jesus more. That’s the kind of fasting He endorses.
Quick Recap: What You Should Know
- Matthew 9:15 – Jesus says “then they will fast”—He supports it, just not when He’s with them.
- Fasting is expected, not dismissed (see Matthew 6).
- Early Christians fasted regularly after Jesus ascended.
- Motivation matters more than method.
- Jesus is the reason and the reward of true fasting.
If you’ve never fasted before, consider starting small. Maybe skip one meal to pray and seek God. Let it be an invitation, not an obligation. Jesus isn’t interested in empty rituals—He wants your heart.
He’s worth it.
FAQs: Does Jesus Endorse Fasting in Matthew 9? Insights from the Gospel
1. Does Jesus endorse fasting in Matthew 9?
Yes, Jesus does endorse fasting in Matthew 9. He explains that fasting has its proper time—especially after His physical departure—emphasizing fasting as a meaningful spiritual practice rather than a rigid ritual.
2. Why do Jesus’ disciples not fast while He is with them in Matthew 9?
Jesus compares His presence to a bridegroom at a wedding, a time of joy when fasting isn’t appropriate. Fasting is more fitting when He is no longer physically present.
3. Does Matthew 9 suggest fasting is outdated?
No, Matthew 9 doesn’t suggest fasting is outdated. Instead, Jesus says there’s a new way to approach fasting, focused on heartfelt devotion rather than mere ritual.
4. What does Jesus mean by “no one puts new wine into old wineskins” in Matthew 9?
Jesus is illustrating that His arrival brings a new spiritual era that can’t be contained by old religious practices. This means fasting, like other spiritual disciplines, needs a fresh, genuine approach.
5. How should Christians fast according to Jesus’ teachings?
Jesus teaches fasting should be done humbly and privately, without showiness or pride, focusing on sincere devotion and seeking God’s presence (Matthew 6:16-18).
6. Did Jesus’ followers fast after His resurrection?
Yes, early Christians, including Jesus’ followers, practiced fasting after His resurrection, as seen in the Book of Acts, indicating fasting remained important in the Christian life.
7. Is fasting required for Christians today?
Fasting isn’t a strict requirement but a spiritual tool Jesus endorsed for seeking God deeper, expressing dependence, and growing closer to Him.
8. What is the spiritual purpose of fasting in Matthew 9?
The spiritual purpose is to express longing for God, repentance, and focus on Him, especially when Jesus is not physically present, making fasting an act of heartfelt worship.
9. How can fasting benefit my personal faith journey?
Fasting can help you remove distractions, clarify your spiritual priorities, deepen your prayer life, and renew your commitment to God.
10. Can fasting be done for the wrong reasons?
Yes, Jesus warns against fasting for public approval or to appear righteous. Fasting should come from genuine love for God, not for show or obligation.
