Have you ever wondered why Jesus fasted?
When Jesus was on earth, He was all God AND all man in one form. That’s why He’s called “Son of Man” and “Son of God” in the Bible. But even though he was God’s son and He and the Father were one, Jesus fasted. Why? He knew he would face every difficulty known to mankind and that He needed to fast to have the strength to overcome in every situation. Jesus fasted to show us that we didn’t have to be controlled by our appetites. He fasted to be our example of how to be an overcomer regardless of what we might face in life. If Jesus was led to fast, doesn’t it make sense that it is really important for us to fast?
Before Jesus began His ministry on earth, He fasted. “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.’ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights He fasted and became very hungry.” (Matthew 3:16-4:2).
With the water of the Jordan River still running down His face and clothes, God declared how pleased He was with Jesus. What better time to launch a public ministry than when God Himself publicly proclaims His pleasure in you! But instead of capitalizing on the publicity, Jesus went into total isolation for 40 days, eating nothing and being tempted by the devil. Jesus fasted in the desert before He preached one sermon, before He healed anyone, and before He called any disciples. When Jesus successfully completed His fast, He was prepared for the spiritual battles ahead as He stepped out into His destiny on earth.
What spiritual battles are you experiencing in your life? Do you need breakthroughs in your personal life, your family, your finances, your church or your community? Follow Jesus’ example. Pray and fast for a release of God’s power to overcome and be victorious. God will give you increase and pour blessings into your life as you fast and pray and you will be prepared to fulfill the destiny He has planned you.
Share
