2/15/26 “A Biblical View of Fasting”
“A Biblical View of Fasting”
Matthew 6:16-18
The first time I ever heard the term ‘Lent’ was when I was around 13 or 14 years old...
We were at a school-related get-together of some kind on a Friday night....and - as I recall – burgers and brats were being served that evening....
...and I noticed one particular classmate of mine wasn’t eating any burgers – or brats....
....and I remember someone asked him why he wasn’t eating...
...to which he replied – somewhat condescendingly – I might add “I can’t....don’t you know it’s Lent?”
Well...for one....I didn’t know that it was the season of Lent either...
....growing up in Baptist church where we never observed Lent....I had never heard of it before.
...So after that encounter, I was very curious as to what on earth Lent was....
....and why this Lent thing wouldn’t allow my classmate to eat a burger with the rest of us.
This was – of course – way before the internet....so I cracked open the “L” book of our encyclopedia set at home and read up on ‘Lent’....and why my friend wasn’t able to sink his teeth into some tasty bratwurst that night.
Many of you this morning know what the season of Lent is all about because you grew up in a faith tradition where it was observed around this time every year...
...but - perhaps – some of you....like I was...don’t know much about Lent....and what it means.
So....A quick history lesson....The season of Lent is observed primarily by those associated with the Catholic church...
....But there are some Protestant denominations that also observe Lent....including certain Lutheran churches...along with a few Episcopalian and Presbyterian churches as well.
Lent is described as a season of fasting, moderation, and self-denial that traditionally begins on a day known as ‘Ash Wednesday’ and ending on Easter Sunday.
Lent lasts for 40 days (Not counting Sundays)
.... and it’s a time when many people from these faith traditions voluntarily deprive themselves of something – usually certain foods....like meat on Fridays.....typically with the idea that an increased level of self-denial and sacrifice will result in a closer spiritual walk with God.
The word ‘Lent’ itself evolved from the Old English word ‘Lencten’, meaning ‘Springtime’...
It also had Germanic roots where it meant ‘Lengthening of Days during Spring’
Then – over time – the word ‘Lent’ took on a much more religious tone as it would come to be known as the specific time between Ash Wednesday and Easter.
If you’re curious...Ash Wednesday is this coming Wednesday...
That’s one reason why we’re looking at the topic of fasting this morning....
Well...that and because Pastor Andy has recently been on a cruise ship where he was surrounded by endless buffets of food for an entire week....
...Maybe a good time for him to do some fasting, right?
Well – actually – biblical fasting has nothing to do with dieting....
And – it also has nothing to do with earning “Holiness Points” with God.
Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many Christians who regularly practice culinary self-denial – whether it’s during the season of Lent, or not -
....some who do it for biblical reasons....and others who seem to do it for no other reason than to check off a ‘spirituality box’ prescribed by their particular faith tradition.
So – even though many churches like ours in the evangelical tradition don’t officially recognize the season of Lent....and this is primarily because Lent is not found anywhere in the Bible...
...we can, however, learn something about self-denial from those who do observe the season of Lent....at least, those who observe it in a biblical way...
Lent involves – to some degree - the concept of fasting....but for those who just give up meat on a handful of Fridays throughout the year....
....Well, that’s not exactly how fasting is described in the Bible.
....Maybe that’s why we don’t read about Friday night fish fry’s....or supper clubs... in the Bible either! 😊
So....Today we’re going to spend the rest of our time looking at the biblical discipline of fasting...something that often goes ‘Under the Radar’ in many churches today...
The actual definition of the word “Fast” literally means to “Not Eat”.....as in, to Not Eat anything whatsoever.....
That’s why the first meal of our day is called “Break-fast”....we ‘break’ the ‘fast’ of not eating overnight....
....except for those of you who raid the refrigerator at 2:00AM....then I’m not sure if breakfast is something you ever really have!
Every time fasting occurs in the Bible, without exception, it means to abstain from all food in general for a specified length of time...with water being the only ingested substance...
...without water – we die...so please don’t fast without drinking water
Some people I know have tried to get very creative with their fasting by allowing themselves to ingest liquids other than water....
This is always a slippery slope....because once you begin allowing – say - juice...then - before you know it – your throwing back a 6 pack of soda that day....
....then come the smoothies....and by that time...your basically eating a meal that’s been shape-shifted by your blender....
It’s amazing how liquified a jelly donut can become after hanging out in a 10-speed Ninja Pro for a few seconds! 😊
We see people in the Bible fasting for 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 21 days....and even 40 days – like Jesus did when he retreated into the desert following his baptism...
....or like Moses did when he was receiving the commandments from God on Mt. Sanai...
...But those are extreme fasts....
I’ve read about people here in America who have done 30-day fasts....and some even longer, but I don’t think any of our health care providers would be too happy with us if we told them we were planning on going a month without food.
The vast majority of fasts in the Bible were a 24-hour period of time...
In our passage for today from the sermon on the mount, Jesus is continuing his teaching on remaining humble in everything we do....
Chapter 6 begins with Jesus telling us that our giving to the needy – or to ministries that help those in need - should be done in secret rather than broadcasting our benevolence to everyone around us....
Then, Jesus goes on to teach about how our personal prayers ought to be humble, done in secret....
.....And that our public prayers should be to the point...not dragging on forever with large, impressive theological words like the Pharisees would often do....
And Now – in our passage for today – Jesus turns to the subject of fasting....
How it too should be done without others knowing....and with humility
Throwing ash on one’s forehead for everyone to see that you are fasting does not exactly line up well with the teachings in these verses for today...
Verse 17 (Matthew 6:17) says to “put oil on your head and wash your face”
In other words....put your deodorant and perfume on and approach your day of fasting like any other day....
So that – as we read in verse 18 (Matthew 6:18) “....It will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen....”
....This is the path of humility....this is also the path to heavenly reward....
Jesus says earlier in this chapter that people who do these things for the praise of men already have their reward in full (Matthew 6:2)....that momentary human praise will be the extent of their reward...
Rather, we are to practice these disciplines of the faith in humility and anonymity....then we will reap rewards in heaven....eternal rewards.
Notice back in verse 16 (Matthew 6:16) Jesus says “WHEN you fast....”
Not IF, but WHEN.
Jesus assumes that His followers will not only give to the needy and spend time in prayer....but that they will also - fast.
Now – I don’t know about you....but I practice two of these disciplines on a much more regular basis than I practice the third....
In fact....Can I be completely honest with y’all this morning?
I do not fast well......I am not a good ‘faster’
I’d like to blame it on all of the good food outlets along Hwy 33....
I mean, if I skip breakfast with the intention of fasting on a day when I’m coming through Reedsburg.....
....Can I really be expected to drive by Cancun, Culver’s, AND the Panda without stopping at one of them?
....When the chips & salsa arrive at my table.... I just say to myself....”I’ll fast tomorrow”....
Then - of course – the next day Lisa has some great-smelling critter cooking on the stove....and - BOOM – fast is over again.
Now....don’t get me wrong....I do engage in 24-hour fasts from time to time....but not nearly as often as I should....
Like I often tell people....I have 2 brain cells....One is always sleepy....and the other one is always thinking about my next meal.
Well.... from recent polling data amongst Christians – I don’t think I’m alone here when it comes to falling short with fasting...
It is generally observed that less than 10% of all Christians fast on a regular basis...
So – if those numbers are accurate – the vast majority of you here today....like me.....also have a difficult time telling your stomach “No” for a full 24-hour period of time.
So...now that we know what fasting is....let’s tackle the question of....why.
Why is fasting encouraged in the Bible, anyway?.....What good is going without food for 24 hours....other than to make us hangry for a day?
Well....There was only one time in scripture when fasting was actually commanded...and that was specifically for the nation of Israel on the Day of Atonement.
If you recall, the Day of Atonement occurred once a year when the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies in the back of the tabernacle to make a sacrifice for the entire nation...
It was on this day when the people of Israel were told to humble themselves in prayer and fasting for the entire day...
Otherwise, fasting is not something that Christians are commanded to do....but it is something that we are highly encouraged to do....
....and it is something that Jesus assumes his followers will do.
So...again....why does Jesus want us to do it?
First off, the practice of fasting – along with fervent prayer – expresses earnestness and seriousness to God during a trial or serious situation in our lives...
When we willingly deprive ourselves of something we need to survive - it legitimizes our heart posture of humility and desperation when coming before God in prayer...
This act of self-denial lets God know – in a tangible way - that we.....for lack of a better term....really mean business.
This is why Queen Esther fasted and prayed before she appraoched the King regarding the fate of the Jewish people.
It’s why King David fasted as he prayed for his infant son...
It’s why Job fasted amidst his trials....
It sends a message to our heavenly Father that we are completely desperate....and that we are begging Him to act in some way on our behalf.
Another reason why we are encouraged to fast is that through the act of denying ourselves physical gratification....we demonstrate to ourselves – and others - how the Holy Spirit is truly in charge of our life...
The ability to deny our flesh – and its strong desires- - is a testament to the extent to which we have allowed the Holy Spirit to be the captain of our ship...so to speak.
Like the fruit of the Spirit revealed in our lives....fasting gives further evidence of the ability that we have been afforded to prioritize the spiritual above that of the physical in our lives....
...something we are called to do in every facet of our being.
Colossians 3:2 reminds us to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
As Jesus followers, the spiritual component of our lives should always trump the physical component....we’ll get into that more next week.
We also fast in order to demonstrate repentance.
Remember when Jonah – eventually – goes to the great city of Ninevah...and he warns its citizens of God’s coming judgement on account of their sins....
....and - surprisingly – the King and the people are convicted of their sins....
Jonah 3:5 says “The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.”
Sackcloth – by the way – were articles of clothing that people wore when they were in mourning...or crying out to God in desperation over sin – or a tragedy of some kind.
We don’t wear sackcloth today – there's no ‘young men’s sackcloth department’ over there at TJ Maxx....
But we are able to physically demonstrate to God that sin in our life has completely torn us up inside....that it’s broken our heart.....
....One way to present a heart to the Lord that has been broken over sin is through the act of fasting.
Fasting also helps us clear our minds so that we can be laser focused on God’s will in our lives.
Have you ever been concerned about your future?
Of course, right?
Just this week, I heard from a couple of people who have concerns about where God wants them to be in the future....
I’m guessing all of us have been there a time or two in our lives....
Last Friday, Lisa was informed that corporate was completely restructuring her dept at the hospital....and now she’s faced with a large decision about her occupational future...
We all have moments in our lives like this when we need to earnestly seek direction from our heavenly Father....
Scripture tells us these moments call for fasting and prayer.
In the book of Acts, we read about a church in a town called Antioch – which, by the way, is where followers of Jesus were first called “Christians”....
At the time....the word ‘Christian’ was actually a derogatory term – kind of like ‘Jesus Freak’....or ‘Bible Thumper’ would be today....
But the term ‘Christian’ sort of hung around, didn’t it....
Guess the joke’s on them now....
But anyway, the Christians at Antioch earnestly fasted and prayed before sending Paul & Barnabus out on their first missionary journey....
This fast was essential in providing these two missionaries with heightened guidance & direction concerning where they ought to go....their timetable....their goal....their safety.....etc
This is a Biblical example of fasting in order to better discern God’s will & direction for the future....something many of us – including myself – tend to forget.
Overall, I believe that we can say this about fasting: Even though we are not commanded to do it....we ought to do it.
Now – I know that some of you....for medical reasons....are unable to go without food for a day....
For you, fasting may look a bit different.
Maybe it’s fasting from caffeine....or the internet for a certain length of time....there are always ways to put self-denial into practice outside the realm of food.
But in general, fasting is a way to redirect hunger for food into a hunger for God’s word & presence.
In preparing for this sermon, I ordered a book by John Piper called “A Hunger for God – Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer”
...it’s an amazing book, and in it, Piper reminds the reader that our hunger – our passion - for the things of God can actually eclipse the physical hungers of the flesh....
....to the point where we are so enraptured by the spiritual, that the physical becomes less & less important.
I remember as a kid, my grandmother on my Dad’s side would often bemoan the fact that my grandpa would get so wound up in a project down in his shop...or out in the backyard....that he would literally forget to eat during the day....
Grandma would have to literally go out and pry him away from whatever he was doing in order to bring him into the house to eat some food.
Folks, this is how we ought to be when it comes to the things of God in our lives.
We ought to be so passionate – so enraptured by what God is doing in our lives that we actually begin to forget about our physical desires....even physical needs....like food.
Do you know people like this?....people who are so drenched in the spiritual that they literally forget about the physical?
Don’t look at me, cause I’m still working up to it!
I still notice the Culver’s Flavor of the Day sign everyday when I drive by....
I think of John the Baptist....He was so passionate about bringing people to repentance that I could see him just forgetting to eat for the day...
....Of course, if locusts were one’s primary source of food, maybe fasting would be a bit easier....?
John the Baptist....he never had to drive his camel past a Culvers! .... He never had to say no to Cookie Dough Craving! 😊
I could see the Apostle Paul forgetting to eat on account of his passion for ministry....
I could envision some of the prophets like Isaiah – or Daniel – be so laser focused on their divine mission that they would forget to tend to their own physical needs or desires....
But this ability to have a hunger for the spiritual far above that of the physical didn’t end in the 1st century....
I think of people like Tim Tebow...who seems to currently be running multiple ministries simultaneously....
I think of people like Francis Chan....who exudes such passion for God’s Word
People like the late Dr. Norm Geisler who wrote over 130 books and hundreds of lengthy articles dealing with God in some way....
...and I think of people like Charlie Kirk....people who are so passionate about biblical truth that they willingly give their lives for it.
....and - yes – there are some people in this very room today who come to my mind when I think of people who are so passionate about the spiritual – that the physical often takes a back seat.
John Piper calls this being homesick for God.
Do you yearn for the things of God so much that your hunger for food is silenced by the hunger of the heart?
Are you homesick for God?
I remember when Lisa and I were dating, for a while, she was in Millwaukee and I was back here in Sauk County...
One day – it must have been a Saturday – I drove over to Milwaukee early one morning to see her.....then she had something going on in the afternoon, so I drove back home....
But I missed her so much that at about 3:00 that afternoon....I drove back to Milwaukee just to spend the rest of the day with her....
I mean, who does that? That’s crazy, right?
I was homesick for her to the point that food really didn’t matter that day.
But more importantly, are we homesick for God in a similar way?
Do people call you crazy sometimes because you are so passionate about the things of God.....and your relationship with Christ?
If so, that’s a good sign.
To me, it demonstrates that God has freed you from submitting to the expectations of this fallen world.....
From the culture, from peers, from friends....and - yes - maybe even from family as well.
Jesus taught that following him will always be foolish in the eyes of the world....that we can expect a life of swimming upstream against the current
But – like salmon returning upstream to their home – choosing Jesus over this world will take us home as well....
Let’s Pray
