Is a 40 day Lent fast biblical? Does Jesus call for fasting?

Lent, to observe or not to observe?

Lent has its backgrounds in religious tradition.   If tradition, then is it biblical?  Should you observe it or not? 

Historical references say Lent began around 325AD.  Earliest references reveal roots of inspiration from a council of bishops under Roman Emperor Constantine.  It is believed they discussed a 40-day preparation of fasting, maybe in advance of baptism.

Whatever the original reason, the practice today is observed by some as a 40-day period in anticipation of Easter.  In advance of celebrating Jesus’ victory over sin and death on the cross, Lent is meant for self-examination, repentance, and self-denial.  It begins on “Ash Wednesday” and leads up to Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and finally Easter.  That period roughly covers 40 plus days.  In addition to times of prayer and fasting during Lent, observants reflect on Jesus and his 40 days of temptation in the wilderness, Matthew 4:1-11.  This background on Lent is a very cursory, but it covers the main purposes of the religious tradition. 

How is it biblical?  Are there scriptures that call Christ followers to adhere to a 40 day fast?  The short and simple answer is “no”.  Christ himself did indeed fast for 40 days in the wilderness, as led by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 4:1-11.  However, he made no reference after for his followers to do the same. 

He did however reference fasting and how to do it.   What He said about fasting was quite contrary to the traditions of those who call for observance of Lent.   In so many words, Jesus taught the following about fasting:

• When you fast, do not look somber as if to carry yourself in a way that puts on a show of your self-denial, Matthew 6:16.  (He didn’t say “if”, he said “when”.)
• Fix your hair and wash your face so that it will not be obvious to anyone that you are fasting, Matthew 6:17.
• Do it secretly, just between you and the Father, and in so doing, you will be rewarded by God, Matthew 6:18.  (Notice the promise of reward!)

Do you see how much freedom is in His instruction?  Do you see any hard and fast rules?

He also taught these things about asceticism, i.e. self-denial.

• Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me,” Matthew 16:24.
• If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.  Matthew 5:29.  (He calls us to be responsive to the Holy Spirit’s sanctification process.)
• Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. John 13:14

The attitude in our "fasting" should be pursuit of God.  

Jeremiah 29:13- You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Pursuing God in giving, prayer, and fasting all have promise of reward, Matthew 6:4, 6, 18!  

But is there any mention of 40 days?  No.

Is fasting a practice you are to strive to do in your own power?  Again, no.

Fasting and self-denial are not things to do in our own power.  But yes, a longing to seek Him and surrender is required.  Christ does not expect you to deny yourself without His assistance!  Remember He told us that we can do NOTHING on our own, John 15:5! Holy Spirit’s help is essential, John 14:17-18.

This is not to discourage anyone from a time of pressing in for Jesus!  But pursue it prayerfully, and make it a year-round habit, not just prior to Easter.  Seek the LORD on what He is calling for.  Maybe it is just a one day fast, maybe 3, maybe once a week for a month?  We are no longer under the law and no where in scripture is there a mandate for 40 days of fasting.

But He did say “when” you fast, not “if”.  So if you’ve never done it before, consider the promise of blessing.  The Father will show up and reward you, Matthew 6:18!  Fasting could be the breakthrough you need to hear God’s voice again!  To receive that wisdom you long for, to overcome the stronghold of sin you are trapped in, to love someone selflessly in a difficult relationship, to receive healing!  If you've never fasted, take a step of faith and try it!

Have expectation!  Put on happy face!  Simply ask God to lead and guide you in a time of personal reflection and self-denial.  Maybe you will feel led to fast a tv show, a day of meals or just one meal, or maybe you will forego your coffee routine in order to deny yourself and seek Him instead.  Experience asking Him for a fresh approach to secret time with Him!  He sees fasting and prayer done in secret!  He will reward you!