Fasting Like Jesus Fasted

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is often practiced as a means of deepening one's relationship with God. When we talk about fasting like Jesus fasted, we are referencing the 40-day fast that Jesus undertook in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. This is one of the most significant examples of fasting in the Bible, and it offers us many lessons.

### **Sermon: Fasting Like Jesus Fasted**

**Introduction:**

Fasting is more than abstaining from food; it is a spiritual practice intended to draw us closer to God. Today, we are looking at Matthew 4:1-11, where Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness. His fast was a time of preparation, testing, and spiritual victory. We can learn much from His example as we seek to incorporate fasting into our spiritual lives.

**Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:1-11**

> *"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)

### **1. Fasting as Preparation**

Jesus' fast was not random; it was intentional and Spirit-led. He was preparing for His ministry, a mission that would change the world.

**Key Lesson:**

- **Purposeful Fasting:** Jesus did not fast to show piety; He fasted as preparation for His calling. When we fast, it should be with a purpose: seeking God’s guidance, clarity, or preparing for a major decision in life.

- **Being Led by the Spirit:** Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1). This reminds us that our fasting should be Spirit-led, not driven by mere ritual or tradition.

**Application:**

Before undertaking a fast, spend time in prayer asking God what He wants to teach you and how He wants to shape you during this time. It’s not just about what we give up but about what God wants to do in us.

### **2. Fasting as Spiritual Warfare**

During Jesus’ fast, He faced intense temptation from Satan. The enemy attacked Him at His most vulnerable state. Yet, Jesus did not yield to temptation.

**Key Lesson:**

- **Battling Temptation with the Word:** Each time Satan tempted Jesus, He responded with Scripture: *"It is written..."* (Matthew 4:4, 4:7, 4:10). Jesus teaches us that fasting without the Word of God is incomplete. The Word strengthens us in moments of weakness and helps us resist the enemy’s lies.

- **Weakness Becomes Strength:** Jesus was physically weak from hunger, but spiritually, He was strong. Fasting makes us aware of our physical weakness, but it opens us up to God’s strength. As Paul writes, *"For when I am weak, then I am strong."* (2 Corinthians 12:10)

**Application:**

During fasting, spend extra time in the Word. Let it be the bread that sustains you. When tempted or struggling, use Scripture to combat lies and doubts.

### **3. Fasting as Dependence on God**

In the wilderness, Jesus modeled total dependence on God. He set aside physical nourishment to focus entirely on spiritual sustenance.

**Key Lesson:**

- **Man Shall Not Live on Bread Alone:** Jesus declared, *"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."* (Matthew 4:4). Fasting teaches us that our true sustenance comes not from physical food but from God Himself.

- **Submission to God's Will:** By fasting, Jesus demonstrated complete submission to God's will. He placed His physical needs below His spiritual priorities.

**Application:**

Use fasting as a time to refocus on God’s provision. Every time you feel hunger, let it be a reminder to turn to God in prayer. Make this a time to seek His presence, to feed on His Word, and to align your will with His.

### **4. Fasting as a Pathway to Victory**

After the fast, Jesus emerged victorious over the temptations of Satan. His time in the wilderness was a precursor to His victorious ministry.

**Key Lesson:**

- **Victory Through Submission:** Jesus’ victory was rooted in His submission to the Father and His reliance on Scripture. Similarly, when we fast with the right heart, seeking God and resisting temptation, we find spiritual breakthroughs and victories.

- **Preparation for Greater Works:** This period of fasting was a time of preparation for Jesus. His public ministry followed immediately after. Fasting can prepare us for the greater works God has planned for our lives.

**Application:**

Consider areas in your life where you need breakthrough or where you need God’s intervention. Use fasting as a means to prepare your heart, to seek His guidance, and to ready yourself for His work.

### **Conclusion:**

Fasting like Jesus is about more than just going without food. It’s about seeking God with our whole heart, relying on His Word, and preparing ourselves for His purpose. In a world full of distractions, fasting allows us to realign our priorities and focus fully on God.

**Call to Action:**

If you’ve never fasted before or haven’t made it a regular part of your spiritual life, consider starting with a one-day or three-day fast. Spend that time praying, reading Scripture, and seeking God’s guidance. If you’re already familiar with fasting, perhaps God is calling you to a deeper commitment, whether that’s a longer fast or fasting from other distractions like media.

**Closing Prayer:**

“Lord, we thank You for the example of Jesus, who showed us the power and purpose of fasting. Help us to seek You with all our hearts, to hunger for Your presence more than physical food, and to find victory over the temptations that come our way. Lead us by Your Spirit as we fast and pray, drawing us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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**Reflection Questions:**

1. What is a specific purpose you feel led to fast for in this season?

2. How can you prepare your heart to seek God through fasting?

3. What Scriptures can you meditate on during your fast to strengthen you against temptation?

This sermon structure not only guides believers in understanding the significance of fasting but also encourages practical application and deep spiritual reflection.