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Nelson Vhukani-Matters of Faith
Over the last century, many churches in Zimbabwe and across Africa have increasingly embraced fasting, especially at the beginning of the year.
Some congregations fast for periods ranging from 10 to 40 days. Supporters typically cite Luke 4 to justify this practice. Regrettably, there have been reports of some individuals suffering severe consequences from excessive fasting, even death.
While opinions on fasting vary, I believe that both extremes — the complete cessation and excessive fasting — can be problematic.
This article sets out to offer a biblical perspective on both fasting and prayer, particularly in light of the rising popularity of midnight prayers, which are often considered more powerful than other forms.
But in his sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:1-18), Jesus offers one of the Bible’s most sustained treatments of both prayer and fasting. Throughout, he upholds their importance and warns against hypocrisy. Without calling on us to abandon those practices, he cautions believers against a pitfall common to them: hypocrisy, which I think is profoundly relevant for the Zimbabwean church today.
Jesus on Hypocrisy
The term ‘hypocrite’ originates from a long history of acting, specifically the practice of playacting, where individuals portray roles that may not reflect their true selves. This English word is derived from a Greek meaning actor or stage performer. And Jesus confronts this in his sermon on at least four occasions:
“When you give to the needy, do not sound the trumpets like the hypocrites” (Matthew 6:2)
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites” (Matthew 6:5)
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans” (Matthew 6:7)
“When you fast, do not look sombre like the hypocrites” (Matthew 6:16).
When fervour and zeal, generosity and passionate outpourings aren’t consistent with who we are and how we typically live, it’s hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28).
Importantly, Jesus doesn’t prohibit giving, praying, or fasting. Furthermore, he doesn’t specify how much to give, how long or when to pray. We’re free to decide on that for ourselves and shouldn’t be made to feel guilty for not: praying through the night, giving more than we can reasonably afford; or fasting within an inch of starvation.
The key message here is this: hypocrisy has no place among Jesus’ disciples. Our actions should be driven by the right attitude, aiming solely at God and his glory. This is why Jesus speaks about doing them in secret, which God sees and rewards (Matthew 6:4).
1. Fasting Is Not a Tool
As mentioned earlier, I have observed a trend in Zimbabwean churches where members are encouraged to fast for weeks at a time, usually at the beginning of the new year — some have even claimed a full year of fasting.
The practice is often linked with seeking blessings from God or protection from enemies. However, such an approach to fasting is inconsistent with biblical teachings and more resembles elements of traditional African religion.
For example, many African traditions focus on appeasing ancestral spirits through rituals to gain blessings and protection. Blending this belief with the Christian faith, many Africans think they must perform actions, such as fasting, to earn God’s favour. But this reduces fasting to a tool, a means of manipulating God.
Biblical fasting has its roots in the Old Testament. The Israelites fasted in anticipation of the Messiah (Zechariah 8:18-19; Luke 2:36-38). Thus, Jesus indicated that fasting was inappropriate while he was present (Matthew 9:15).
But the fasting practices I’ve observed in many Zimbabwean churches have little to nothing to do with Christ. They far more resemble the practices Jesus warned against (Matthew 6:6), hypocritical and self-serving. They’re largely unconcerned with our relationship with God (Matthew 6:17), apart from their interest in bending his arm for divine blessings.
Fasting should come from the genuine submission to God (Joel 2:12-13). It must reckon with our sinfulness (Jonah 3:7-9). By it, we can anticipate Christ’s return (Luke 2:36-38). Fasting should be a responsive act that acknowledges our human condition — fallen, weak, and dependent on God’s grace. While it is an expression of faith, it should never be the measure of our faith, for then we’re in danger of practising our righteousness before others in order to be seen (Matthew 6:1). Fasting isn’t about self-denial for its own sake; it’s a recognition that life is more than food. It’s one of the ways we can confess that “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). — tgc.org
