Fasting in the Bible #10 Jesus’ fast
Jesus didn’t fast that often – indeed some of his critics condemned him for eating and drinking (Matt 1:19). After his baptism, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where Matthew and Luke tell us He fasted for forty days. We are told He was hungry – not thirsty, so he must have drunk water!
During those 40 days when hisflesh would have been weakest, he endured relentless temptation from Satan to take the easy route. Jesus used in context Scripture to counter what the devil was tempting.
At the end of the fast, angels attended to Him and He returned in the power of the Spirit to start His earthly ministry including signs and wonders.
40 days full fasting is not at all easy – even a “normal” fast of no daylight eating would be hard. My reading is that this kind of intensive fasting needs to be led by the Spirit and is often preparatory for intensive ministry.
Many of the “generals” of the faith in history were called by God to fast long periods at the start of their ministries.