What Does Jesus Say About Fasting in Matthew 9?

Fasting is a significant spiritual practice in many religious traditions, including Christianity.

It’s often seen as a way to draw closer to God, seeking spiritual clarity and expressing humility.

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9, Jesus addresses the topic of fasting in a way that might surprise you.

Let’s dive into what Jesus says about fasting in Matthew 9 and why it’s so important.

The Context: A Question About Fasting

In Matthew 9:14, the disciples of John the Baptist come to Jesus with a question:

“Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” (NKJV).

This question sets the stage for Jesus to explain the deeper meaning and timing of fasting.

The Pharisees and John’s disciples were known for their regular fasting as part of their religious observances.

Yet, Jesus’ disciples didn’t follow this tradition at that moment.

Why Don’t Jesus’ Disciples Fast?

Jesus responds with a metaphor about a wedding:

“Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15, NKJV).

Jesus likens Himself to a bridegroom.

While He, the bridegroom, is present, it’s a time of joy and celebration for His disciples, much like guests at a wedding feast.

Fasting, which often accompanies mourning and penance, wouldn’t be appropriate during a celebration.

However, Jesus acknowledges that there’ll come a time when He, the bridegroom, is taken away. That’ll be the time for fasting.

The Timing of Fasting

Jesus’ response highlights an important principle about fasting: timing.

There’s a time for celebration and a time for fasting.

Jesus was signaling that fasting is meaningful when it aligns with the circumstances and spiritual needs of the moment.

When Jesus was physically present with His disciples, they were experiencing the joy and fullness of His direct presence.

But He indicated that after His departure – referring to His crucifixion and eventual ascension – fasting would become a significant practice for His followers.

The Parables of the Cloth and Wineskins

To further explain His point, Jesus uses two parables immediately after addressing the question of fasting:

The Parable of the New Cloth on an Old Garment

“No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse.” (Matthew 9:16, NKJV).

In this parable, Jesus compares the inappropriate merging of new and old materials to the situation at hand.

Just as a new, unshrunk cloth will tear away from an old garment, the new life and teachings Jesus brought couldn’t be contained or constrained by old religious practices and traditions.

The Parable of the New Wine in Old Wineskins

“Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:17, NKJV).

Similarly, putting new wine into old wineskins, which would burst as the new wine ferments and expands, illustrates the need for new structures and practices to accommodate the new covenant Jesus was establishing.

These parables emphasize the incompatibility of Jesus’ new teachings with the old ways of religious observance, including the timing and purpose of fasting.

The Deeper Meaning of Fasting

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 9 isn’t just about the physical act of fasting but also about understanding its spiritual significance.

Fasting, in the context of His teachings, is not merely a ritual but a practice that should reflect the heart’s condition and the spiritual realities of the time.

Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline

Fasting in the Bible is often associated with seeking God, repentance, and intercession.

For example:

Moses fasted for forty days and nights when receiving the Law (Exodus 34:28).
Daniel fasted for understanding and guidance (Daniel 10:3).
Jesus Himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness, preparing for His ministry (Matthew 4:2).

The Heart of Fasting

Jesus calls His followers to fast with the right heart and motives.

In the Sermon on the Mount, He warns against fasting to show off one’s piety:

“When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” (Matthew 6:16, NKJV).

Instead, Jesus encourages fasting that’s between the individual and God, done in a spirit of humility and sincerity.

This teaching aligns with His message in Matthew 9 about understanding the appropriate time and spirit for fasting.

Modern Application: Fasting Today

Understanding Jesus’ teachings on fasting in Matthew 9 helps us apply this practice meaningfully today.

Here are some takeaways:

Consider the Timing: Fasting should be in response to a genuine spiritual need or prompting, not merely a ritualistic obligation.
Focus on the Heart: The purpose of fasting is to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, or express repentance, not to display religious devotion to others.
Adapt to New Wine: As believers, it’s essential to embrace the new life and covenant Jesus offers, aligning our practices with His teachings rather than clinging to outdated traditions.

Practical Steps for Fasting

If you’re considering fasting, here are a few tips:

Define Your Purpose: Why are you fasting? Seek clarity on your spiritual goals.
Choose a Fast: Decide the type of fast (e.g., food, media) and its duration.
Prepare Spiritually and Physically: Spend time in prayer and Scripture before you begin. If it’s a food fast, ensure you’re in good health.
Stay Focused: Use the time you’d typically spend on the activity you’re fasting from to pray, read the Bible, or reflect.
Break the Fast Gradually: If you’re fasting from food, reintroduce meals slowly.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings on fasting in Matthew 9 reveal that it’s not just about abstaining from food or other pleasures.

It’s about aligning our practices with the spiritual realities of our relationship with Him.

Whether you’re fasting for guidance, to deepen your faith, or for another reason, let your fast be a time of genuine connection with God, done with the right heart and purpose.

By understanding the context and teachings of Jesus, we can approach fasting as a meaningful and transformative spiritual discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fasting in Matthew 9

1. Why did Jesus’ disciples not fast when others did?

Answer: In Matthew 9:14-15, Jesus explains that His disciples didn’t fast because they were in a time of celebration, like guests at a wedding with the bridegroom present.

Jesus, the bridegroom, was with them, and it was a time for joy, not mourning. He indicated that they would fast after He was taken away from them.

2. What did Jesus mean by referring to Himself as the bridegroom?

Answer: Jesus used the metaphor of a bridegroom to signify His presence with His disciples as a time of joy and celebration.

Just as guests don’t mourn while the bridegroom is with them at a wedding, His disciples didn’t need to fast while He was with them.

This illustrates the appropriateness of fasting according to the season and circumstance.

3. What are the parables of the new cloth and new wine in Matthew 9:16-17 about?

Answer: These parables explain that new things, like Jesus’ teachings and the new covenant, require new approaches and understandings.

Just as new cloth shouldn’t be sewn onto old garments and new wine shouldn’t be put into old wineskins, the new ways Jesus brought couldn’t fit into the old religious structures and practices, such as traditional fasting.

4. How does Jesus’ teaching on fasting apply to us today?

Answer: Jesus’ teaching emphasizes the importance of the timing and the heart behind fasting.

Fasting today should be practiced in response to genuine spiritual needs and should be done with humility and sincerity, not as a public display.

It should reflect a desire to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, or express repentance.

5. What does Jesus say about the attitude we should have when fasting?

Answer: In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus advises that when we fast, we shouldn’t do it to show off to others.

Instead, we should fast privately and sincerely, focusing on our relationship with God.

This aligns with His message in Matthew 9 about the appropriate context and spirit for fasting.

6. How should I prepare for fasting?

Answer: Preparation for fasting includes:

Defining Your Purpose: Understanding why you’re fasting.
Choosing the Type of Fast: Deciding on what you will fast from and for how long.
Spiritual Preparation: Spending time in prayer and reading the Bible before starting.
Physical Preparation: If fasting from food, ensure you’re in good health and gradually reduce food intake.

7. What are the benefits of fasting according to the Bible?

Answer: Fasting can help deepen your relationship with God, provide clarity and guidance, and express repentance and humility.

Biblical figures like Moses, Daniel, and even Jesus fasted during significant spiritual moments, showing its importance in seeking God and preparing for spiritual challenges.

8. Is fasting only about abstaining from food?

Answer: No, fasting can involve abstaining from other things that take significant time and focus in your life, such as media, social activities, or specific habits.

The key is to replace these activities with time spent in prayer, reflection, and seeking God.

9. How often should Christians fast?

Answer: There’s no set frequency for fasting in the New Testament.

It should be done as led by the Holy Spirit, in response to personal spiritual needs or circumstances.

Some might fast regularly, while others may fast during specific times of seeking God or facing challenges.

10. Can fasting bring us closer to God?

Answer: Yes, fasting is a spiritual discipline that can help you draw closer to God by setting aside distractions and focusing more intently on prayer, Scripture, and your relationship with Him.

It’s a way to humble yourself and seek God’s presence and guidance more deeply.