“But he answered, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” – Matthew 4:4
Bible Verses About Fasting In New Testament
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is often not fully understood in our modern lives. For us as Christians, the purpose of fasting goes beyond abstaining from food; it is a way to deepen our connection with God. We fast to seek clarity, strengthen our prayers, and grow spiritually. This act represents our humility and dependence on God, recognizing that our physical needs cannot overshadow our spiritual needs. As we reflect on what fasting looks like in the New Testament, we are encouraged to examine our motivations and intentions behind this powerful practice. When we fast, we should do so with sincere hearts, focusing on God’s word and guidance, trusting that He will provide for our needs.
Matthew 6:16
“And 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.” – Matthew 6:16
Luke 4:2
“For forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.” – Luke 4:2
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
Matthew 9:15
“Jesus answered, ‘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.'” – Matthew 9:15
Mark 2:20
“But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” – Mark 2:20
The Attitude While Fasting
As we explore fasting, let’s think about the attitude that we should carry while undertaking this spiritual practice. It is not just about going without food; it’s about cleansing our hearts and minds. When we fast, our focus should not be on impressing others or fulfilling religious obligations. Instead, we should have an attitude of humility and sincerity, seeking God earnestly. The Bible teaches us that God looks at the heart, and we can bring our true selves before Him as we fast. Our aim is not to showcase our struggles but to draw closer to Him, developing a more profound relationship and awareness of His presence in our lives.
Matthew 6:17
“But when you fast, anoint 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.” – Matthew 6:17
Isaiah 58:5
“Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?” – Isaiah 58:5
Luke 18:12
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” – Luke 18:12
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12
The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
Fasting serves as a spiritual exercise for us, enabling us to seek God more fervently. As we face life challenges, we can use fasting to heighten our spiritual discernment and make our prayers more potent. It helps us to disconnect from worldly distractions and place our reliance on God. Through fasting, we can be more attuned to God’s voice, leading us toward wisdom and clarity. As we see the impact fasting has in the lives of biblical figures, we are inspired to incorporate fasting into our own spiritual journeys. The focus is not merely on what we abstain from but on what we gain—a deeper understanding of God and a stronger faith.
Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” – Acts 14:23
Matthew 4:2
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” – Matthew 4:2
Luke 5:33
“They said to him, ‘John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.'” – Luke 5:33
2 Corinthians 6:5
“In beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; ” – 2 Corinthians 6:5
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except for mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5
Fasting as a Form of Prayer
Fasting and prayer often go hand in hand. It’s more than just a break from food; it represents a time set apart to encounter God. When we fast, we are creating space to focus solely on prayer and the Word. This coupling of fasting and prayer heightens our spiritual devotion and helps us to align our hearts with God’s purpose for our lives. We can draw strength from the scriptures, allowing them to guide our prayers and our decision-making. Each moment spent in prayer while fasting builds a bridge, connecting us more closely with God’s presence. Our prayers gain intensity, and we find clarity and peace in His presence as we seek His guidance.
Acts 13:2
“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.'” – Acts 13:2
Matthew 21:22
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22
Mark 9:29
“He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer.’ ” – Mark 9:29
Luke 6:12
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” – Luke 6:12
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing,” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
The Example of Jesus
As believers, we look to Jesus as our ultimate example of how to live a faithful life, and His approach to fasting provides us with important lessons. Jesus demonstrated fasting in the wilderness, illustrating self-discipline and dependence on the Father. His example motivates us to be diligent and intentional when we fast. Furthermore, by fasting, He showed us that prayer and seeking God should take precedence above all worldly concerns. Jesus reminds us that our relationship with God is a priority, and through fasting, we can cultivate a lifestyle that echoes His example. We can trust that when we follow His footsteps, we’ll also grow spiritually and draw closer to God.
Matthew 4:1
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” – Matthew 4:1
Luke 4:1-2
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.” – Luke 4:1-2
John 4:34
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” – John 4:34
John 5:30
“By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” – John 5:30
John 6:38
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” – John 6:38
We are not meant to walk this journey of faith alone, and prayer and fasting can be powerful when undertaken in community. When we unite in fasting, we lift each other up, collectively seeking God’s guidance and strength. The early church often practiced fasting as a unified group to discern God’s will. Coming together in prayer and fasting allows us to support one another and strengthens our faith as a community. As we hold each other accountable, we can encourage spiritual growth and bear each other’s burdens. Fasting together reflects our commitment to God and to each other, reminding us of the importance of fellowship in our Christian walk.
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Acts 1:14
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” – Acts 1:14
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Philippians 1:19
“For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” – Philippians 1:19
1 John 5:14
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14
Final Thoughts
Today, we’ve explored the different dimensions of fasting as presented in the New Testament. We see that fasting offers us an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God while also encouraging humility and sincerity in our journeys. It’s about our attitudes, spiritual benefits, and connecting with God through prayer, just like Jesus demonstrated during His time on earth. Fasting can be even more powerful when we engage in this practice with fellow believers, as we support each other in prayer and encouragement.
Let us remember that fasting is not about showing off or going through the motions; it is a meaningful way to reconnect with God. It is essential that as we strive to practice fasting, we do so with focus and honor. We challenge ourselves to step away from distractions, trusting that our connection with Him grows stronger daily.
We encourage you to explore more about prayer and fasting to deepen your understanding. You can read more about fasting in Matthew or the importance of prayer and God’s promises. As we seek God together, may our lives be transformed as we learn to pray and fast wholeheartedly.