Fasting is not a foreign practice to modern humans. In various religions and traditions, fasting has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, fasting is not only considered a form of worship, but is also often associated with health benefits, such as detoxifying the body and increasing self-discipline.

In the Bible, fasting is done for various purposes. First, to draw closer to God. Fasting is often a form of worship and seeking God's will, as Ezra did (Ezra 8:21). Second, a form of repentance and self-humiliation. The Israelites used fasting as a sign of repentance and sorrow for sin, as exemplified by the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5) and the nation of Israel (1 Samuel 7:6). Third, to ask for God's help. In difficult situations, God's people fasted to seek protection and guidance from God, as Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:3) and Esther (Esther 4:16) did. Fourth, to increase spiritual strength. Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days before starting His ministry as a form of spiritual preparation (Matthew 4:2).

Fasting in various religions is almost always related to stopping eating and drinking. This can be understood from a theological perspective as a form of self-control over bodily desires. In spiritual understanding, God is Spirit, and to draw closer to Him, humans need to reduce their attachment to the physical world. By stopping basic needs such as eating and drinking, a person learns to depend more on God than on worldly powers.

In biblical times, eating and drinking were the main pleasures of humans, even for many people, perhaps the only source of happiness. This is reflected in how God promised the land of Canaan to the Israelites as “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8). On the other hand, when they lacked food, they were very stressed and even longed to return to their life in Egypt even though they were in slavery (Exodus 16:3). In addition to food, fasting in the Bible is also often accompanied by stopping other activities related to bodily pleasures, such as sexual intercourse (Joel 2:15-16).

Jesus' fasting in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights provides deep insight into the true meaning of fasting. During the fast, Jesus faced three great temptations that represent basic human desires. First, the temptation to eat, where Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:3). Second, the temptation to self, where Satan asked Jesus to prove His divinity by jumping from a high place (Matthew 4:6). Third, the temptation to wealth and power, where Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him (Matthew 4:8-9). Jesus rejected all of these temptations, demonstrating that His life was a “fasting life”—not just in the physical sense, but also in controlling worldly desires.

In the modern world, food is no longer the only form of pleasure that can tempt humans. Today, humans are more attached to technology, entertainment, wealth, and comfort. While in biblical times fasting meant giving up food and drink as a form of self-control, in modern times fasting can also mean breaking away from other addictions that distract us from God. For example, some people may choose to “fast” from social media or entertainment for a period of time in order to focus more on God. However, the essence of fasting remains the same: humbling oneself, controlling worldly desires, and strengthening one's relationship with God.

Fasting is not just an ancient tradition, but has a deep spiritual meaning that remains relevant today. Although its form can be adapted to the challenges of the times, its main principles remain the same: controlling oneself, strengthening the spirit, and drawing closer to God. Thus, fasting is not only a practice of worship, but also a means of spiritual transformation for every believer in every generation.

So, if we want to fast today, what kind of fast will we do? Just taking a break from following the flesh, or living a fasting life like Jesus who decided to forever not follow the flesh, but the spirit?