How to Fast?
- Ps David Jones
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
The Secret Place of Surrender
How did Jesus teach us to Fast?
Pastor David Jones
Sunday Morning Message – 1st March 2026Citywest Church YouTube:
Objective: objective of this study is to understand how Jesus taught us to fast in Matthew 6, focusing not merely on the act itself but on the heart behind it. As we explore His words within the Sermon on the Mount, we will consider the importance of motivation, humility and intimacy with the Father. Our aim is to rediscover fasting as a relational practice — entering the secret place with God in hunger, sincerity and dependence upon Him
Leader: Please choose what best suits your group and fits the time well. You do not need to discuss every question. Create your own questions that fit your group. Choose two or three areas to discuss. Have fun, Jesus people!
Open in prayer and ask the Lord to teach us about the heart of fasting.
We live in days of busyness and constant noise, and life can feel chaotic and crowded. Many of us sense we have lost our rhythm of simplicity. Strangely, although we have more than ever before, we often seem less satisfied.
Open brief discussion questions:
What feels most distracting or overwhelming in modern life?
Do you feel you have lost spiritual rhythm at times? In what way?
It seems that Jesus and His disciples had a rhythm and flow to their lives — times of ministry, times of prayer, times of solitude. Included in this was enjoying time together and feasting well.
Let us look at what Jesus taught.
The Context – The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7) is often regarded as the finest of Jesus’ teachings. Including teachings on the beatitudes, murder, adultery, marriage, love thy enemies and the Lord’s prayer. It begins in chapter 5: “And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain…” It concludes in Matthew 7:28–29: “And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” In this sermon, Jesus reshapes our understanding of right living — not outward religion, but inward transformation.
Read - Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus Assumed We Would Fast
Notice Jesus says, “When you fast” — not “If you fast.”
Discussion Questions:
Why is motivation so important in spiritual disciplines?
Fasting in the Time of Jesus
(Leader: Only cover the following fasts if applicable to your group)
Fasting was a normal part of Jewish religious life.
There were several types of fasts:
The Scriptural/Mandatory Fast – The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the only fast required by the Law (Leviticus 23:26–32).
The Four Temple Fasts – Mentioned in Zechariah 8:19, remembering the siege and destruction of the Temple.
Twice-weekly fasts – Devout individuals fasted on Mondays and Thursdays (Luke 18:12), often for twenty-four hours.
Other personal or communal fasts – In times of distress, repentance or devotion.
Daniel fast is an example of a partial fast, often done for twenty-one days. Daniel 1:8-16, Daniel 10:2-3
The religious culture of the time included established national fasts and frequent voluntary fasting.
Greek word for fast: A fast is termed by the Greeks nhstiv, from nh not, and esyein to eat; hence fast means, a total abstinence from food for a certain time
Of course, wisdom and safety matter. Each person must consider their health, circumstances and speaking with a health professional would be recommended if unsure.
Discussion Questions
What concerns or hesitations do you have about fasting?
The Danger – Hypocrisy
Jesus warns: “Do not be like the hypocrites…” A hypocrite, in this context, is someone pretending — acting for appearance. In Jesus’ day, some would put on a sad countenance, disfigure their faces, sprinkle ashes on their heads, and publicly display the agony of fasting. They fasted for public recognition. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” Their reward was human attention — and nothing more.
For example, many things begin with good intentions. Even dressing smartly for church can be a good expression of reverence. But if it becomes a competition, self-display, or a symbol of spiritual superiority, something has gone wrong. The same can happen with prayer, giving and fasting
Discussion Questions
Why is it easy to slip from sincerity into performance?
How can we guard our hearts against spiritual pride?
What does it look like to fast “for public recognition” today?
The Secret Place
Jesus contrasts hypocrisy with humility: “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face…”
In other words, carry on normally; do not advertise your fast or attract attention. It is interesting that Jesus uses the words “But you” in this text, making it deeply personal. Fasting is something done before your Father
Discussion Questions
Why do you think Jesus emphasizes normal appearance?
What does the “secret place” mean to you?
Why does God value what is done in secret?
Practical Keys to Fasting
As we prepare for a fast, consider:
What sort of fast am I planning to do?
Why am I fasting, and who am I trying to please?
How long will I fast? (Perhaps even going beyond morning tea!)
How will I break the fast wisely?
What will I do — and not do — during this time?
Who can I partner with for encouragement, especially for a longer fast?
Fasting is not a weight-loss programme — it is far more than that.
Your Father in the Secret Place
Read Again - Matthew 6:18
Notice that “your Father” is mentioned twice. Jesus is the Son of God, and He invites the multitude to remember who their Father is. The Jews had many names for God — to name just a few: Elohim (Creator), Adonai (Lord), and El Shaddai (Almighty). But here, Jesus uses the language of intimacy — Father.
Read and discuss the following scriptures together:
Galatians 4:6
“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’”
Romans 8:15
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’”
Discussion Questions
How does viewing God as Father reshape your approach to fasting?
What might the “reward” be that the Father gives?
Conclusion and final Application – Hunger Coupled with Humility
Fasting is feasting on God. It is a focused time of spiritual devotion and dependence upon Him, accompanied by prayer. It is a hearts crying: ABBA FATHER. “God, I need You more than I need food.”
As you approach your time of fasting:
Let your hearts cry be, “Abba, Father.”
Meet Him in the secret place.
Let us be seen by Him in the secret place.
May your fasting be marked by hunger coupled with humility
