In the Bible, there are three notable instances of individuals who fasted for 40 days: Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. Each of these fasts holds significant spiritual and theological importance, providing profound insights into the nature of fasting, its purposes, and its transformative power.
Moses' 40-Day Fast
Moses, the great leader and prophet of Israel, fasted for 40 days and 40 nights on two separate occasions. The first instance is recorded in Exodus 24:18, where Moses ascends Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the Law from God. The Bible states, "Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights" (Exodus 24:18, NIV). During this time, Moses was in the direct presence of God, receiving divine revelation and the commandments that would guide the Israelites.
The second instance is found in Deuteronomy 9:18-19, where Moses recounts his intercession for the Israelites after they sinned by making the golden calf. He says, "Then once again I fell prostrate before the Lord for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water, because of all the sin you had committed, doing what was evil in the Lord’s sight and so arousing his anger. I feared the anger and wrath of the Lord, for he was angry enough with you to destroy you. But again the Lord listened to me" (Deuteronomy 9:18-19, NIV).
Moses' fasts were marked by a profound sense of purpose and dedication. The first fast was a time of direct communion with God, where he received the Law that would form the foundation of Israelite society and religious life. The second fast was an act of intercession, demonstrating Moses' deep concern for his people and his willingness to stand in the gap for them.
Elijah's 40-Day Fast
The prophet Elijah also fasted for 40 days, as recorded in 1 Kings 19:8. After a dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where God demonstrated His power by consuming Elijah's sacrifice with fire from heaven, Elijah fled from the wrath of Queen Jezebel. He traveled into the wilderness, where he was miraculously sustained by an angel who provided him with food and water. The Bible says, "So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God" (1 Kings 19:8, NIV).
Elijah's fast was a journey of both physical and spiritual renewal. It culminated in a profound encounter with God on Mount Horeb, where Elijah experienced God's presence not in the dramatic wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13). This encounter reaffirmed Elijah's mission and strengthened him for the challenges ahead.
Jesus' 40-Day Fast
Perhaps the most well-known 40-day fast in the Bible is that of Jesus, which is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. After His baptism by John the Baptist, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1-2 states, "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry" (Matthew 4:1-2, NIV).
During this time, Jesus faced three significant temptations from Satan, each designed to undermine His mission and authority. The first temptation was to turn stones into bread, appealing to His physical hunger. Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, saying, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4, NIV).
The second temptation was for Jesus to throw Himself from the pinnacle of the temple, challenging Him to prove His divine sonship by forcing God to intervene. Jesus responded with Deuteronomy 6:16, saying, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test'" (Matthew 4:7, NIV).
The third temptation was for Jesus to worship Satan in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus firmly rejected this, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only'" (Matthew 4:10, NIV).
Jesus' 40-day fast was a period of preparation and testing. It demonstrated His reliance on God's word, His rejection of worldly power and glory, and His commitment to His divine mission. This fast set the tone for His ministry, characterized by obedience, humility, and unwavering faith in God.
The Significance of the 40-Day Fast
The number 40 in the Bible often signifies a period of testing, trial, and transformation. The 40-day fasts of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus each reflect this theme in unique ways. For Moses, it was a time of receiving divine revelation and interceding for his people. For Elijah, it was a journey of renewal and recommissioning. For Jesus, it was a period of preparation and affirmation of His mission.
Fasting for 40 days is an extreme spiritual discipline that requires deep commitment and reliance on God's strength. It is not merely an act of physical deprivation but a profound spiritual exercise that aligns the individual with God's purposes. In each of these biblical examples, the 40-day fast led to significant spiritual breakthroughs and encounters with God.
Fasting in the Christian Life
While the 40-day fasts of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus are extraordinary examples, fasting as a spiritual discipline is accessible to all believers. Jesus assumed that His followers would fast, as indicated in Matthew 6:16-18, where He instructs them on the proper attitude and approach to fasting: "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on 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, NIV).
Fasting is a way to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and express repentance or intercession. It is a practice that can deepen one's spiritual life and foster a greater sense of dependence on God. However, it is important to approach fasting with the right heart and motives, focusing on the spiritual benefits rather than the physical act itself.
In conclusion, the 40-day fasts of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus provide powerful examples of the transformative potential of fasting. These fasts were times of deep communion with God, preparation for ministry, and intercession for others. As believers, we can learn from these examples and incorporate fasting into our spiritual practices, seeking to draw nearer to God and align our lives with His will.
