When you fast . . .

Many Christians can quote what Jesus said about fasting, but far fewer have actually practiced it. 

In this episode, we explore what happens when biblical teaching meets real-life experience. 

From Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount to the early church’s use of fasting in mission, leadership, and spiritual struggle, this conversation takes you inside the lessons learned—not just from Scripture, but from the journey of fasting itself. 

If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus said when you fast—not if—or what spiritual benefits you might be missing, this episode invites you to listen, reflect, and perhaps take your own step toward becoming the “wise man” Jesus describes.

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Transcript

084 “When you fast…”

Many Christians can quote what Jesus said about fasting, but far fewer have actually practiced it. 

In this episode, we explore what happens when biblical teaching meets real-life experience. 

From Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount to the early church’s use of fasting in mission, leadership, and spiritual struggle, this conversation takes you inside the lessons learned—not just from Scripture, but from the journey of fasting itself. 

If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus said when you fast—not if—or what spiritual benefits you might be missing, this episode invites you to listen, reflect, and perhaps take your own step toward becoming the “wise man” Jesus describes.

*          *          *

I’s asked to teach a young adult Bible class on — Bible study or fasting. I immediately chose Bible study because, at the time, I’d never fasted. I didn’t wanna teach what Jesus and others said about fasting, then make excuses about why I’d never practiced it.

Since then, I’ve fasted. I’ve learned some things by experience in addition to what I read in the Bible.

Jesus fasted.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. — Matthew 4:1, 2, ESV

He assumed that His followers would fast.

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. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 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. — Matthew 6:16-18

He said that His disciples would fast after He was taken away from them 

Then the disciples of John approached him and asked, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?” Jesus replied, “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

The church at Antioch fasted when they sent out Barnabas and Saul on their first missionary journey.

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. — Acts 13:1-3

Paul, Barnabas, and the churches of Galatia fasted after or during the appointment of elders. 

When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. — Acts 14:21-23

Paul counted fasting part of his sufferings for the Lord. 

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings. —  2 Corinthians 6:4, 5

Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. — 2 Corinthians 11:25-27

When we read the Bible, we learn that God’s people have fasted. In the Old Testament, they fasted in times of war or the threat of it, when loved ones were sick, and when seeking God’s forgiveness. In the New Testament, fasting was accompanied by dealing with temptations, special missionary emphasis, and the selection and appointment of elders.

Here are some things I’ve learned from fasting:

1. I spend a lot of time preparing for, cleaning up after, or driving to and from eating events. I’ve done most of my fasting during “weeks of isolation” where I set aside special time for study and reflection. I was amazed at what I could do during the time I would’ve been eating for three to five days.
2. The hunger pains were good reminders during a special prayer emphasis. When I felt the hunger, I’d pray.
3. Fasting is a good exercise in self-discipline. I don’t do what I feel like doing when I don’t eat when I’m hungry. There are many times I don’t need to do what I feel like doing. Practice strengthens that muscle.
4. Fasting gave me a greater appreciation of food and water when I broke the fast. Gratitude is often heightened after deprivation, whether voluntary or involuntary.
5. I now read Psalm 42:1 and sing As the Deer pants for the water with a different understanding after going without food and water for an extended time.
6. I learned that liver and onions aren’t good foods to break a fast. Some reading about this topic can be helpful. I read Richard Foster’s book, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, the summer I fasted for the first time. 

Jesus didn’t say, “If you fast.” He said, “When you fast.” Although we’re not saved by fasting, we may be served well by fasting and other teachings of Jesus, which we may or may not have noticed, practiced, and encouraged other disciples to obey.

Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount where He discussed fasting by saying, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man…” (Matthew 7:24, NKJV). 

I want to be a wise man.