Did Jesus’ disciples really fast? You might be surprised by the answer. While Jesus Himself hinted at what would come, the Bible and early church history reveal something remarkable about fasting and how it became an integral part of the disciples’ spiritual lives. But how does that affect Christians today?

Stick with me—we’re diving deep into Scripture and uncovering a fascinating truth you probably haven’t noticed about the disciples and fasting.

Why Didn’t the Disciples Fast While Jesus Was on Earth?

Let’s start in Matthew 9:14-15, where the Pharisees asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples fast like John’s disciples or like us?” Jesus’ response was incredibly insightful:

“Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

What Jesus meant was clear: fasting often aligns with longing, mourning, or seeking God’s presence more deeply. While Jesus—the Bridegroom—was physically present, it was a time for celebration, not mourning. But he also predicted a future time when He would no longer be with them physically, a season when fasting would naturally become part of their spiritual practice.

When Did the Disciples Start Fasting?

Everything shifted after Jesus ascended to heaven. The early church eagerly embraced fasting as a regular spiritual discipline. For example, look at Acts 13:2-3, where the believers in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending Paul and Barnabas out on their missionary journey. Also, in Acts 14:23, they fasted and prayed when appointing elders in new churches.

Fasting wasn’t merely about mourning the absence of Jesus—it became about aligning themselves with His mission and drawing closer to God’s purpose.

Early Church History: How Important Was Fasting?

Here’s something truly captivating: the Didache, an early Christian manual from around the first century, reveals just how seriously early believers took fasting. They fasted twice a week—every Wednesday and Friday—as a disciplined way of keeping their hearts fixed on God. They also fasted before significant events, like baptisms, highlighting fasting as a critical rhythm in their spiritual lives.

Why Did Early Believers Prioritize Fasting?

1. Seeking Deeper Connection and Direction

The early church fasted as a practical way to deepen their relationship with God, seeking clarity in decisions and divine direction for their lives. It was an intentional discipline to clearly hear God’s voice.

2. Spiritual Warfare and Breakthrough

Jesus Himself taught in Matthew 17:21: “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Early Christians recognized fasting as a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare, essential for overcoming significant challenges.

3. Humility and Dependence

Fasting cultivated humility and dependence on God. As Psalm 35:13 says, “I humbled my soul with fasting.” They understood fasting wasn’t about earning God’s favor; it was about surrendering their will and aligning with God’s greater purpose.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

If the disciples and the early church prioritized fasting, shouldn’t we also consider it essential for spiritual growth today? Fasting allows us to:

• Step away from distractions.
• Focus clearly on God.
• Deny our fleshly impulses.
• Strengthen spiritual discipline.
• Seek God’s guidance in critical decisions and spiritual breakthroughs.

But here’s the critical point—fasting isn’t about the act itself; it’s about your heart. It’s your declaration to God that, “I need You more than food, comfort, or distractions.”

If you’ve never tried fasting, why not start now? Begin simply—maybe skip one meal, setting aside intentional time to seek God and pray for something specific. If you’re ready to go deeper, I’ve created two powerful resources:

• FREE Fasting Starter Kit: Packed with practical steps, biblical tips, and guidance to begin fasting effectively.
• A Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting: My book, where I thoroughly break down biblical fasting and show you how to apply it effectively to your life.

Grab both of these resources and begin your journey today!

Fasting transformed the early disciples, and it can transform you too. Let this powerful practice draw you closer to God and help you walk boldly in His purpose for your life.

I’d love to hear about your fasting experiences in the comments. Let’s encourage one another as we press deeper into God’s presence!