Denying Yourself for Something Better

Someone has said, "Fasting is an exercise in self-denial and self-discipline to abstain from food."

It is interesting that in the ancient world, many believed that evil spirits could enter their bodies through food. They believed that when they were under attack, they would fast to prevent these evil spirits from coming into them. Modern fasting is popular with many for physical and health reasons.

During Jesus' time, fasting had become a ritual among the religious. They would practice fasting so others would notice them. Jesus addressed this in verse sixteen. He reminded the people not to become hypocritical and appear to be sad to get others to think they were spiritual. He gave an example of two men in Luke 18 that had gone to the temple to pray. The Pharisee boasted of his own goodness. He stated he fasted twice a week. They would go to great lengths to make sure people knew what they were doing.

Jesus is teaching in verses seventeen and eighteen the correct reason and way to fast. He taught that it was to be done to meet God's approval. Jesus knew His followers would have times of prayer and fasting after He was gone. These scriptures teach us that one is to "anoint" his head and "wash" his face and was not to appear to be fasting among his fellow man. But rather focus on his relationship with God. The result of biblical fasting is that God is honored, and He gets the glory. He will then reward openly.

There will be times that we will need to pray and fast over a situation or a problem. Are you willing to say no to yourself? Are you willing to yield to the Lord? Are you willing to get the answer, wisdom, and direction you need from the Lord Jesus? Are you willing to do it God's way?

Biblical fasting is humbling yourself before God and trusting Him to give you the answer.

Reflective Questions

1. Jesus stated, “When you fast.” This implies that you will be fasting. When was the last time you fasted for spiritual purposes?
2. Do you sense a leading from the Holy Spirit to fast? If so, what is your motivation for fasting? What are you hoping to gain from the experience?
3. Why do you think fasting is one of the least promoted and least understood spiritual disciplines? How can you intentionally include it in your spiritual growth?

Memory Verse

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face. Matthew 6:17 (NKJV)

Prayer

Dear God, help me to understand what it means to fast. I desire to grow closer to You. I know that one way I can do that is through a spiritual fast. Give me the strength to fast. As I do, help me to understand You and glorify You.

Related Scriptures

Luke 18:9–14; Isaiah 58:3–5; Matthew 9:14–15; Nehemiah 1:4; II Samuel 12:20; Daniel 10:1–3; II Corinthians 10:18; Colossians 3:22-24