Fasting: Spiritual and Physiological Aspects
Fasting is an Act of Devotion, Not of Despair
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
— Matthew 6:16–18
Encouragement: Jesus assumes you will fast—He says when, not if. Fasting isn’t about punishing yourself; it’s about privately honoring God by clearing your mind from worrying about food and seeking deeper spiritual connection. Hypocrite is the Greek word for “actor”.
The word “hypocrite” comes from the Greek word hypokritēs (ὑποκριτής), which originally meant “an actor” or “a stage player.”
Etymology:
• Hypo- = under
• Krinō = to judge, to answer, or to interpret
Together, it describes someone who interprets or performs a role beneath a mask, as in ancient Greek theater.
By the time of the New Testament, the word had taken on a figurative meaning: someone who pretends to be something they are not — especially someone pretending to be morally or spiritually righteous.
So when Jesus called people “hypocrites,” especially in Matthew 6 or Matthew 23, He was literally calling them actors — playing a role of holiness without the reality behind the performance.
⸻
2. Spiritual Nourishment is Greater than Physical Food
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
— Matthew 4:4 (quoting Deuteronomy 8:3)
Jesus spoke these words while He Himself was fasting for 40 days. You may feel weak, but He reminds you that your true strength and sustenance come from God’s Word and presence.
⸻
3. Fasting is a Source of Power
“This kind (of demon) can come out only by prayer and fasting.”
— Mark 9:29 (some translations)
Fasting is not just abstaining—it’s a means of spiritual breakthrough. Jesus connected fasting with power over spiritual oppression. Your fast may be preparing you for something greater than you can see.
Fasting for 2–3 days (commonly called extended fasting or 48–72 hour fasting) can trigger several science-backed health benefits, especially when done safely. Here’s a breakdown:
⸻
Key Health Benefits of a 2–3 Day Fast
1. Autophagy Activation
• What it is: A cellular “clean-up” process where your body breaks down damaged cells and recycles them.
• When it starts: Begins around 24–36 hours, increases by 48–72 hours.
• Why it matters: May reduce risk of neurodegeneration, inflammation, and even some cancers.
Japanese researcher Yoshinori Ohsumi won the 2016 Nobel Prize for discoveries related to autophagy.
⸻
2. Insulin Sensitivity Improves
• Fasting reduces insulin levels significantly, allowing your body to become more sensitive to insulin over time.
• This can support fat burning and metabolic health, and may be protective against type 2 diabetes.
⸻
3. Mental Clarity & Neurochemical Balance
• By day 2, ketones rise as your brain shifts from glucose to fat for fuel.
• Ketones (especially beta-hydroxybutyrate) are neuroprotective and linked to:
• Increased focus
• Reduced brain fog
• Anti-inflammatory effects in the brain
⸻
4. Immune System Reset
• Studies (including from USC’s Valter Longo) suggest prolonged fasting may trigger stem cell regeneration of the immune system.
• White blood cell counts drop and then rebound, potentially clearing out older or dysfunctional cells.
⸻
5. Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Markers Improve
• Short fasts of 48–72 hours have shown reductions in:
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Triglycerides
• Blood pressure (in some individuals)
⸻
6. Appetite Regulation Resets
• Ghrelin (the hunger hormone) often drops after day 2.
• Many report reduced cravings and better control over portion sizes after a multi-day fast.
⸻
Cautions & Contraindications
• Not recommended for:
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Type 1 diabetics
• People with eating disorders
• Anyone on medications like insulin, blood pressure meds, or antidepressants—unless under supervision
• Hydration and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) are essential to avoid dizziness, fatigue, or heart palpitations.
⸻
Spiritual + Physiological Sync
Interestingly, the spiritual clarity many report on Day 2 or 3 often parallels the physiological shift to ketones and reduced inflammation — offering a powerful mind-body synergy.
⸻
1. Fasting as Humbling Before God
“I humbled myself with fasting.”
— Psalm 35:13
Fasting was a way to humble the soul, showing dependence on God rather than earthly strength or pleasure.
⸻
2. Fasting in Times of Crisis or Danger
“Proclaim a fast… that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a safe journey.”
— Ezra 8:21
The people of Israel fasted when they needed divine protection or intervention — recognizing that some situations needed more than ordinary prayer.
⸻
3. Fasting as Repentance
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.”
— Joel 2:12
In times of national or personal sin, fasting was a way to demonstrate true sorrow and a desire to return to God with sincerity.
⸻
4. The Day of Atonement – A Commanded Fast
“You shall afflict your souls…”
— Leviticus 16:29–31; 23:27
The only fast explicitly commanded in the Law was on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. “Afflict your souls” was widely understood to mean fasting and self-denial.
⸻
5. Fasting and Injustice – The Wrong Way to Fast
“Is this not the fast I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness… to share your bread with the hungry…”
— Isaiah 58:6–7
God criticized hollow fasting that didn’t change hearts or behavior. Fasting was meant to lead to compassion, justice, and action, not just personal piety.
⸻
6. Examples of Fasting in Action
• Moses fasted 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28)
• David fasted in mourning and repentance (2 Samuel 12:16)
• Esther called a 3-day fast before risking her life to save her people (Esther 4:16)
• Daniel fasted to seek understanding and repent for his nation (Daniel 9:3)
