Fasting is a practice deeply rooted in many religious traditions, including Christianity.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus offers profound insights into the nature of fasting, emphasizing its spiritual significance and the attitude one should maintain while fasting.
Whether you’re new to fasting or looking to deepen your understanding, let’s dive into what Jesus teaches about fasting in the Book of Matthew.
Understanding Fasting
Fasting, in a biblical context, usually means voluntarily abstaining from food or drink for a specific period to focus on spiritual growth and draw closer to God.
It’s more than just going without food—it’s a powerful way to demonstrate humility and seek divine guidance.
Key Verses on Fasting in Matthew
The teachings of Jesus on fasting in the Gospel of Matthew are primarily found in Matthew 6:16-18 and Matthew 9:14-17.
Let’s break down these passages to understand Jesus’ perspective on fasting.
Fasting with the Right Heart: Matthew 6:16-18
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says:
“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. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 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.”
Here’s what Jesus is teaching:
#1. Avoid Showiness: Jesus emphasizes that fasting should be a private matter between you and God, not a public display to gain approval or admiration from others.
The hypocrites Jesus mentions were likely the Pharisees, who made their fasting conspicuous to appear pious.
Their reward, as Jesus notes, is merely the attention they receive from others.
#2. Maintain Normal Appearance: Jesus advises keeping your appearance normal while fasting.
In His time, anointing with oil and washing the face were daily grooming practices.
By maintaining your routine, you avoid drawing attention to your fast, ensuring it’s a sincere act of devotion rather than a performance.
#3. Seek God’s Approval: The true reward of fasting comes from God, who sees your sincerity and dedication.
This intimate connection with God is the ultimate goal of fasting, far surpassing any earthly recognition.
The Newness of Jesus’ Teaching on Fasting: Matthew 9:14-17
In Matthew 9:14-17, we encounter another crucial moment where Jesus addresses fasting.
The disciples of John the Baptist come to Jesus and ask:
“How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”
Jesus replies:
“How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out, and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
Key points from this passage:
#1. Fasting and Celebration: Jesus likens His presence to a wedding feast where the bridegroom is present.
It’s a time of joy, not fasting.
His disciples aren’t fasting because they’re celebrating being with Him.
This signifies that fasting has its appropriate times and contexts.
#2. Future Fasting: Jesus acknowledges that His disciples will fast in the future, particularly when He is no longer physically present.
This suggests that fasting is a way to seek God’s presence and guidance, especially in times of longing and need.
#3. New Paradigm: The analogy of the new cloth and new wineskins indicates that Jesus is bringing a new approach to spiritual practices, including fasting.
The old ways and new ways can’t be mixed without causing issues.
This newness represents the fresh perspective Jesus offers on how to relate to God.
Practical Insights for Fasting Today
Jesus’ teachings provide several practical lessons for us:
- Fast for the Right Reasons: Ensure your fasting is a genuine effort to grow spiritually and connect with God, not to impress others.
- Keep It Private: Follow Jesus’ advice to fast discreetly. It’s a personal act of devotion, not a public spectacle.
- Prepare for Both Joy and Fasting: Understand that there are seasons of celebration and seasons of fasting. Each has its place in your spiritual journey.
- Embrace the New: Be open to new ways God might lead you in fasting and other spiritual disciplines. Jesus encourages flexibility and openness to fresh experiences with God.
Why Fasting Matters
Fasting isn’t just an ancient practice; it has profound relevance today.
It’s a way to:
- Refocus on God: Fasting removes distractions, allowing you to concentrate more fully on your relationship with God.
- Seek Guidance: In times of uncertainty or decision-making, fasting can help you seek divine direction and clarity.
- Express Sorrow or Repentance: Fasting is often associated with mourning and repentance, providing a way to humble yourself and seek God’s forgiveness and comfort.
- Build Spiritual Discipline: Regular fasting can strengthen your self-control and deepen your spiritual walk.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teachings on fasting in Matthew provide valuable insights for anyone looking to understand or practice fasting.
His emphasis on sincerity, privacy, and readiness for new experiences underscores the deep, personal nature of this spiritual discipline.
By following His guidance, you can make fasting a meaningful part of your spiritual journey, drawing you closer to God and enriching your faith.
So next time you consider fasting, remember Jesus’ words and approach it with a heart focused on God, free from the need for outward recognition.
Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will surely reward you.
FAQs on Jesus’ Teachings About Fasting in Matthew
1. What is fasting according to Jesus?
Fasting, as taught by Jesus, is abstaining from food and sometimes drink to focus on spiritual growth and seek a closer relationship with God.
It’s not just about denying oneself but doing so with a sincere heart and purpose.
2. Why does Jesus emphasize fasting in private?
Jesus emphasizes fasting in private to keep the act sincere and between you and God.
Publicizing fasting can lead to seeking approval from others rather than focusing on spiritual growth.
He teaches that the true reward of fasting comes from God, who sees your genuine devotion.
3. What does Jesus mean by not looking somber while fasting?
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus advises against looking somber and disfiguring one’s face to show others they’re fasting.
Instead, He encourages maintaining a normal appearance to keep the fast private and sincere, avoiding the pitfall of seeking attention or approval from others.
4. Why didn’t Jesus’ disciples fast while He was with them?
Jesus compared His presence to a wedding feast where guests don’t fast while the bridegroom is with them.
This signifies that His disciples were celebrating His presence.
He indicated they would fast after He was no longer with them, highlighting the appropriate timing and context for fasting.
5. What is the significance of the new cloth and new wineskins analogy?
In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus uses the analogy of new cloth and new wineskins to illustrate that new approaches to spiritual practices, like fasting, are necessary in His new covenant.
Mixing old practices with the new teachings of Jesus can cause issues, emphasizing openness to new ways God works in our lives.
6. How can I apply Jesus’ teachings on fasting today?
To apply Jesus’ teachings on fasting today:
- Fast with genuine intent to grow spiritually and seek God’s presence.
- Keep your fasting private and personal.
- Recognize the appropriate times for fasting and celebrating.
- Be open to new ways God might lead you in spiritual practices.
7. What are the benefits of fasting according to Jesus?
Fasting, when done with the right heart and intentions, can:
- Deepen your focus on God and spiritual growth.
- Help you seek guidance and clarity during decision-making or challenging times.
- Provide a way to express sorrow, repentance, or seek forgiveness.
- Strengthen spiritual discipline and self-control.
8. How should I start fasting as a beginner?
As a beginner, start by:
- Setting clear intentions for your fast.
- Choosing a specific duration and type of fast (e.g., skipping one meal or abstaining from certain foods).
- Maintaining your daily routine and appearance to keep your fast private.
- Focusing on prayer and spiritual activities during your fasting period.
- Gradually increasing the duration or intensity of your fast as you become more comfortable with the practice.
9. Is fasting only about abstaining from food?
While traditional fasting involves abstaining from food, it can also extend to other forms of self-denial.
This can include giving up certain activities or habits to focus on spiritual growth and devotion to God.
10. What if I can’t fast due to health reasons?
If you can’t fast from food due to health reasons, consider other forms of fasting or self-denial, such as abstaining from social media, entertainment, or other non-essential activities.
The key is to focus on dedicating time and energy to deepening your spiritual relationship with God.
11. How often should I fast?
There’s no set frequency for fasting.
It depends on personal conviction, spiritual goals, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Some people fast regularly (e.g., weekly or monthly), while others fast during specific seasons or in response to particular spiritual needs.
12. Can fasting help with decision-making and seeking guidance from God?
Yes, fasting is often used as a way to seek God’s guidance and clarity, especially during important decisions or challenging times.
It helps to quiet distractions and focus on hearing God’s voice and direction.
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