Should Christians fast? Is that even the right question? Jesus seems not only to condone but also to expect his disciples to fast. So what is fasting, why does Jesus call believers to fast, and what great things does God promise can come from this faith-filled exercise?
Matthew 6:16–18 (NIV)
16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
