The Meaning and Significance of Fasting, Matthew 6:16-18
A Sunday School Material on Fasting | by Rev Mrs Mary Fosu
Introduction
The meaning and significance of fasting in matters of faith cannot be overemphasised. Fasting is not an exclusively Christian discipline; it has been recognised across cultures and religions as a powerful spiritual practice. Islam includes fasting as one of its five pillars. Zoroaster practised fasting, as did Confucius and the Yogis of India. Philosophers such as Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle fasted, and even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, affirmed its value.
Within Christianity, fasting holds a distinctive place because it is rooted in a relationship with God rather than self-discipline alone. Scripture identifies many key figures who fasted: Moses, the lawgiver; David, the king; Elijah, the prophet; Esther, the queen; Daniel, the seer; Hannah, the grieving mother; Anna, the prophetess; Paul, the apostle; and Jesus Christ Himself. Throughout church history, influential Christians such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, David Brainerd, and Charles Finney also practised fasting and testified to its spiritual significance. In today’s lesson, we study Jesus’ teaching on fasting in Matthew 6:16–18. We will explore the meaning of fasting, fasting as a spiritual discipline, the kinds of fasting found in Scripture, and the rewards and importance of fasting, drawing insight especially from the biblical examples of Hannah and Anna.
The Meaning of Fasting
In a specific biblical sense, fasting means abstaining from food for spiritual purposes (Matthew 6:16). Scripture indicates that fasting involves abstaining from food, not water, as seen in Jesus’ forty-day fast (Luke 4:2). In a broader sense, Richard Foster defines fasting as “the voluntary denial of a normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity.” This definition helps distinguish biblical fasting from hunger strikes, which seek political leverage, or dieting, which seeks physical benefit. The life of Hannah (1 Samuel 1) illustrates this meaning powerfully. Hannah “wept and would not eat” as she poured out her soul before the Lord. Her fasting was not ritualistic or public; it was an expression of deep dependence on God. Hannah’s example reminds us that fasting often arises naturally in seasons of grief, longing, or desperate prayer. In contemporary practice, fasting may also include abstaining from other legitimate activities – media, sleep, social engagement, or entertainment – for deeper spiritual focus. The essence remains the same: voluntary self-denial to make room for God.
Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline and Devotion to God
Jesus’ instruction on fasting appears alongside His teaching on giving and prayer. This placement shows that fasting belongs with the core practices of Christian devotion. Jesus repeatedly says, “When you fast” and “But you, when you fast” (Matthew 6:16–17), assuming that fasting would be a regular part of the believer’s spiritual life. The same language is used for prayer (“When you pray”) and giving (“When you give alms”). Just as prayer and generosity are expected, so fasting is implied as part of faithful discipleship. Jesus further affirms this expectation in Matthew 9:15, saying that after His departure, His followers “will fast.” The prophetess Anna (Luke 2:36–38) provides a beautiful model of fasting as lifelong devotion. Anna worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. Her fasting was not driven by crisis, like Hannah’s, but by faithful waiting and love for God. Anna’s life shows that fasting can become a steady rhythm of devotion, shaping spiritual attentiveness and readiness to recognise God’s work.
Kinds of Fasting
The fasting Jesus describes in Matthew 6:16–18 is primarily private fasting, emphasising sincerity and humility. Believers are instructed not to draw attention to themselves but to focus on God alone.
Scripture, however, reveals several kinds of fasting:
- Normal fast – abstaining from all food but not water (Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:2).
b. Partial fast – limiting the diet without total abstinence (Daniel 1:12; Matthew 3:4).
c. Absolute fast – abstaining from both food and water (Ezra 10:6; Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9).
d. Supernatural fasts – Moses and Elijah (Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kings 19:8).
e. Congregational fast – Joel 2:15–16.
f. National fast – 2 Chronicles 20:3.
g. Citywide fast – Jonah 3.
h. Regular fast – Leviticus 16:29–31; Luke 18:12.
i. Occasional fasts – Matthew 9:15.
Hannah’s fast fits within personal and situational fasting, while Anna’s represents regular devotional fasting, reminding us that fasting can take different forms depending on season and calling.
The Rewards and Importance of Fasting
In Matthew 6:18, Jesus assures believers that fasting done in the right spirit is rewarded by God. The reward is not human recognition, but divine response and transformation. First, fasting helps maintain focus on God. Often, believers seek God’s blessings more than God Himself. True fasting recenters our hearts on the Giver rather than the gifts. Anna’s fasting exemplifies this truth—her fasting was an act of worship. For her, fasting and worship were inseparable (Luke 2:37). Second, fasting reveals what controls our lives. David says, “I humbled my soul with fasting” (Psalm 69:10). During fasting, hidden attitudes—anger, fear, pride, bitterness—often surface. Hannah’s fasting exposed her deep pain but also led her to surrender control to God, resulting in peace even before her prayer was answered. Third, fasting reminds us that we are sustained not merely by food, but by the word of God. Through fasting, we learn dependence on God’s provision and truth. Scripture also identifies many additional purposes of fasting:
- To strengthen prayer (Ezra 8:23; Nehemiah 1:4; Acts 13:3)
- To seek God’s guidance (Judges 20:26–28; Acts 14:23)
- To seek deliverance and protection (2 Chronicles 20:3–4; Esther 4:16)
- To express repentance (Joel 2:12; Jonah 3:5–8)
- To humble oneself before God (1 Kings 21:27–29; Psalm 35:13)
- To express concern for God’s work (Nehemiah 1:3–11; Daniel 9:3)
- To serve others and pursue justice (Isaiah 58:6–7)
- To overcome temptation and dedicate oneself to God (Matthew 4:1–11)
Conclusion
Our study of Matthew 6:16–18 reveals that Jesus assumes His followers will fast and therefore provides instruction on how to fast rightly. As Martin Luther observed, “It was not Christ’s intention to reject or despise fasting… he intended to restore fasting.” Fasting is not commanded as a legal obligation, but presented as a meaningful and rewarding spiritual practice. When practised with humility and God-centred devotion, as seen in the lives of Hannah and Anna, fasting becomes a means of deepened prayer, clearer spiritual vision, and renewed dependence on God. When fasting is rightly understood and practised, it is not empty deprivation, but holy attentiveness to God, richly rewarded by the Father who sees in secret.
Questions
- How do Hannah’s and Anna’s fasting help us understand true devotion to God?
- What does fasting reveal about our hearts, according to Psalm 69:10?
- How can we fast sincerely without seeking human approval?
- What fruit should result from fasting done in the right spirit?
BEING WISE AT CHRISTMAS: LESSON FROM THE WISE MEN (MAGI), MATTHEW 2,1-12
A Sunday School Material on Christmas, prepared by Rev Mrs Mary Fosu
Introduction
If there is a birth to be celebrated, what comes to mind is the birth of the one man, Jesus Christ, who has eternally changed and positively influenced the course of history. The value and diverse influences of Christ on the lives of humanity—politically, socially, economically, and spiritually – offer ample evidence against the opponents of Christmas. The purpose of this write-up is therefore not to debate the arguments for or against Christmas. Instead, it aims to explore how we can celebrate Christmas in a way that allows us to gain the most from the occasion. This is achieved through our reflections on the pivotal roles of the Wise Men (Magi) in the story surrounding Christ’s virgin birth (Matthew 2:1-12).
The Wise at Christmas seek Christ
Matthew 2 continues the account of Christ’s birth, pointing out that after Jesus was born, Magi from the east came seeking Jesus to worship him. The detailed background of these men is not given. However, they are introduced as wise men. It is most probable that they were ordinary men. However, the fact that they sought Christ implicitly shows that they are wise. For the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. This means that we are to make use of the opportunity of Christmas to seek Jesus. It is also likely that these Magi were astrologers, as many biblical scholars believe. Granted that these were so, then they used their profession to seek Christ. Their professions were not hindrances to the belief in the God incarnate. Their ability to discern the times was through the science and technology of their time. In today’s world of technology and materialism, where people think that they are the lords of their own lives, lessons can be learnt from these astrologers in their effort to look for the Lord of life and creation. Thus, our work should draw us closer to Christ at Christmas and not separate us from him.
The Wise at Christmas worship Christ
It is so interesting to know that Christmas should serve as the golden opportunity to deepen our worship of God. The Magi declared their intention at Christ’s birth in Matthew 2:2 that “we have come to worship him”, and indeed in verse 11, when they saw the child Jesus, they worshipped him. The heart of Christmas is the recognition and affirmation of the Lordship of Jesus. The response, therefore, is to revere, praise and adore Him as the Lord of all flesh. This is what the wise men did. The Virgin Birth of Jesus should, therefore, remind us of his uniqueness and that our salvation is fully a gift of grace. Thus, in the midst of our joy at Christmas that a saviour is born, let us worship Christ in truth and in Spirit not only in the Church but in the ‘manger’ of our hearts, homes, workplaces and communities.
The Wise at Christmas present gifts
The total number of Magi is not specified in the biblical account. However, since the gifts presented were three—gold, incense, and myrrh—many believe that the wise men were three. The implication might be that during Christmas, if you are not a giver, you will not be counted! The wise men gave gifts out of pure love and conviction. These gifts symbolised the essential roles of Christ as King, Priest, and Prophet. Therefore, today’s tradition of giving gifts at Christmas is a valid custom. However, contemporary givers should carefully examine their motives. Do we give gifts because we seek favours? Or because we feel pressured to give so we are not seen as social outcasts? We should also ask whether we would give the same gift if the recipient were not our Parliamentarian, Boss, or Director. Our motives for giving should be genuine and rooted in love, not hypocrisy. As we give to the wealthy and influential, let us also remember the poor and needy, especially those from whom we cannot expect anything in return.
The Wise at Christmas discern and obey the voice of God
Many people were alive at the time of Christ’s birth, but not many could recognise that Jesus had been born. The magi, however, were able to know the time. God reveals himself through creation – general revelation – and through his word – specific revelation. From the context of our story, we see both types of revelation at work. The Magi received guidance from God in three main ways in Matthew 2:1-12. We are told that the magi saw the star of Christ, an example of creation testifying to his birth. Therefore, God’s creation, and for that matter science, should lead us to the belief in God revealed in Jesus. Secondly, God’s word also confirmed the birth of Christ when Herod asked about it in Matthew 2: 5-6. Later, in verse 12, the Wise men were warned in a dream. The key point of this brief exposition is that we should learn to recognise the voice of God amid the many voices today. In modern times, apart from God guiding us through creation, His word, and dreams, we are also called to seek guidance from God by being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). God spoke to the wise men through the star and a dream because they were in their right mind. As we enjoy food and drink this Christmas, may we not become so out of control that we fail to recognise God’s voice.
The Wise at Christmas resist the Devil and avoid his ways
Since God guides and leads His children during Christmas, Satan is also active. Therefore, we must be cautious about which inner voice we listen to at this time. Unlike Herod the Great, may we not be consumed by insecurity, jealousy, greed, and evil desires to the point of shedding innocent blood. It is important to recognise that the spirit that controlled Herod around the birth of Christ still influences some people today, including some Christians. This can be observed when individuals become overly protective of their so-called ‘thrones’—such as their positions at work, in churches, or in politics—and resist God’s presence in their lives. These ‘thrones’ could be roles like managers, teachers, pastors, politicians, lawyers, or police officers. Unlike Herod, do not envy the gift of gold that Jesus received, as He was also destined to be King. Herod failed to understand that Jesus’ kingship was different from his own. Therefore, as we celebrate Christmas, reject the spirit of jealousy towards others’ possessions, gifts, pleasures, or missions. Resolve to resist the devil and be a positive witness and testimony for Christ during this season.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the lessons from the Magi, let us remember that celebrating Christmas is an opportunity for us to seek Christ, develop a deep relationship with Him, and worship Him in truth and in Spirit. Moreover, Christmas should present us with the chance to give gifts out of genuine love and pure motives. It is also a time to discern God’s voice so we can obey Him and thereby avoid the ways of the Devil. I am firmly convinced that when we combine the conviction and confession of our faith with ethical practices guided by the Spirit of God—who leads and directs us during the Christmas season—the world can become a better place for humanity.
Questions
- In what practical ways can we use our professions, skills, or daily routines to seek Christ more intentionally during Christmas?
- How does recognising the Lordship of Christ shape the way we worship Him both during Christmas and in our everyday lives?
- What motives often influence our giving at Christmas, and how can we cultivate a spirit of giving rooted in genuine love rather than social pressure or expectation?
- What helps or hinders us from discerning God’s voice today, especially during a season filled with many distractions and competing voices?
- In what ways can jealousy, insecurity, or a desire to protect our “thrones” hinder us from fully welcoming Christ into our lives?