Matthew 9:14-17

It is not commanded in any of the NT Epistles. Fasting was a prescribed part of various OT community activities involving repentance (Joel 1:14); in addition, pious Jews fasted voluntarily (1 Sam 7:5–6; Neh 1:4; Dan 9:3; Jonah 3:5; Luke 2:37; 18:12). Here, the voluntary fasting is primarily in view. Jesus himself fasted (4:2; cf. Moses and Elijah, Exod 34:28; 1 Kgs 19:8) and spoke metaphorically of the appropriateness of fasting for his disciples after his departure from earth (9:14–15). The Pharisees fasted (9:14; cf. Luke 18:12), and Jesus did not criticize them for the practice. In Acts, the disciples fasted before the important decision of selecting church leaders (13:2–3; 14:23). Isaiah’s critique of fasting that was not accompanied by just behavior (Isa 58:1–9; cf. Zech 7:4–14) is not unlike Jesus’ condemnation of hypocritical fasting here.

Pharisees typically fasted on Mondays and Thursdays, refraining from food but not from drink. In light of such texts as 9:14–17, fasting is more controversial in Christian circles than prayer or giving to the needy. Jesus apparently did not give this spiritual discipline a high priority, especially during his ministry, but he did anticipate that it would occur later (9:15). The only specific New Testament references to later Christian fasting come in contexts of seeking God’s will in choosing church leaders (Acts 13:2–3; 14:23). As with almsgiving and prayer, those who fast must not advertise their piety by visible signs of suffering and deprivation. Otherwise a person again gains accolades from people rather than from God. Instead people must groom themselves according to cultural norms in order to appear joyful and content.