Exploring Jesus' Teachings on Fasting and Its Historical Context

Jesus assumes his disciples will fast, emphasizing that the motives for fasting will lead to rewards from the Father. While Jesus never explicitly commands fasting, he highlights the significance of the practice and its rewards. Fasting should be driven by desire, not duty. In the time of Jesus, fasting was a common practice among Jewish people, with the early church continuing this tradition by fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays. Early church fathers extensively taught on fasting, with Lent originally being a fasting period before Easter. The decline of fasting in modern times contrasts its historical significance, once being a widespread practice in Christianity and influencing other traditions like Ramadan.