The words of Jesus
What Did Jesus Say About Fasting?
Jesus assumed His followers would fast and taught them to do it for God alone, not for show. Here is what He said about it.
“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
Jesus, in Matthew 6:16, King James Version
Fasting is between you and God, not a display for others.
“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”
Jesus, in Matthew 6:17-18, King James Version
Let your fasting be quietly directed toward the Father.
“And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.”
Jesus, in Matthew 9:15, King James Version
Fasting expresses a longing for more of Him.
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
Jesus, in Matthew 17:21, King James Version
Fasting joined to prayer reaches for God's power.
Come to Him
Fasting, for Jesus, is a hunger for God Himself. It empties the hands so they can take hold of Him more fully.
His words were always meant to lead you to Himself. You can begin with Jesus here, ask someone to pray with you, or read His words in the Bible.
