Fasting

Downloadable Reflection Guide

 16 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. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

As Jesus turns to the topic of fasting, He is once again focused on how this spiritual practice can be misused and turned into a performance for others. There are a number of reasons to fast as a part of the practice of the Christian faith. One list of the potential reasons suggests the following:

1. To strengthen prayer (Ezra 8:23);
2. To seek God’s guidance (Judges 20:26);
3. To express grief (1 Samuel 31:13);
4. To seek deliverance or protection (2 Chronicles 20:3 – 4);
5. To express repentance and a return to God (1 Samuel 7:6);
6. To humble oneself before God (1 Kings 21:27 – 29);
7. To express concern for the work of God (Nehemiah 1:3 – 4);
8. To minister to the needs of others (Isaiah 58:3 – 7);
9. To overcome temptation and dedicate yourself to God (Matthew 4:1 – 11); 
10. To express love and worship for God (Luke 2:37)

When we are tempted to dramatize our fasting for the attention of others, we distract from these properly biblical reasons for fasting. Once again, Jesus urges that we fast privately. If the purpose of our fasting is to strengthen our relationship and walk with God, then there is no reason that others need to be a part of that process other than for accountability or support. Making sure that people see us suffer in our fasting distracts us from our growth in Christ. So, if you fast, feel free to share with those who will either participate with you, or those who will support your growth in Christ through the fast, but otherwise, go about your day with your fast as a reality known only by you and your God.

Thoughts for Reflection

 If you have practiced fasting, what have you found the most beneficial? If you have not, consider how fasting may be of help in your walk with Christ.