Why Do Christians Fast During Lent? A Biblical Explanation

Christians fast during Lent because fasting is a deeply biblical practice that prepares the heart, disciplines the body, and refocuses life toward God in anticipation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Fasting during Lent is not about punishment, self-harm, or earning favor with God. It is a response to Scripture, shaped by the example of Christ, and ordered toward repentance, humility, and spiritual renewal.

The clearest biblical foundation for Lenten fasting comes from the life of Jesus Christ Himself. Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–2; Luke 4:1–2). This fast was not accidental or symbolic. It was a deliberate act of preparation, prayer, and obedience before undertaking His mission. Lent mirrors this biblical pattern by setting aside forty days for focused spiritual discipline, following the example given by Christ.

Throughout Scripture, fasting is consistently associated with repentance and turning back to God. The prophet Joel records God calling His people to return to Him with fasting, weeping, and mourning (Joel 2:12–13). In these passages, fasting is not separated from the heart. It is an outward expression of inward conversion. When fasting is genuine, it reflects humility and dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency.

Fasting is also connected to prayer in both the Old and New Testaments. Daniel fasted while praying and confessing sin on behalf of Israel, seeking God’s mercy and guidance (Daniel 9:3). In the early Church, believers fasted and prayed together when seeking direction and discernment (Acts 13:2–3). This biblical pairing explains why fasting during Lent is never isolated from prayer. Without prayer, fasting becomes empty discipline. With prayer, it becomes a tool for listening more closely to God.

Another important reason Christians fast during Lent is to reorder their desires. Scripture acknowledges that human appetites, though not evil in themselves, can distract from reliance on God. Jesus taught that human beings do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God (Matthew 4:4). Fasting helps believers recognize misplaced priorities and loosen attachment to habits that compete with spiritual life.

Some object that fasting is unnecessary because salvation is by grace. This objection often reflects selective interpretation of Scripture used to justify personal preference rather than biblical obedience. Jesus Himself fasted. Scripture fully affirms salvation as the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8–9), but it also teaches that believers are called to discipline, self-control, and growth in holiness (1 Corinthians 9:27). Fasting does not replace grace. It responds to grace. It trains the believer to cooperate with what God is already doing within the heart.

Biblical fasting is never meant to be performative or hypocritical. Jesus warned against fasting for public recognition, while assuming that His followers would indeed fast (Matthew 6:16–18). The problem Jesus addressed was not fasting itself, but fasting done for the wrong reasons. Lenten fasting, when practiced properly, is hidden, sincere, and directed toward God rather than human approval.

In Lent, fasting is also linked to charity. Scripture makes clear that true fasting must lead to care for others, especially the poor (Isaiah 58:6–7). What is set aside through fasting is meant to open the heart and hands to generosity. In this way, fasting shapes both interior life and outward action.

In summary, Christians fast during Lent because Scripture consistently presents fasting as a means of repentance, humility, prayer, and preparation. Jesus Christ fasted, the prophets fasted, and the early Church fasted. Lent gathers this biblical practice into a defined season so believers may prepare themselves to reflect more deeply on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Far from being optional or outdated, fasting during Lent stands firmly within the biblical life of faith.

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