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Summary
- The Gospels record one fast of Jesus: forty days in the wilderness straight after his baptism (Matthew 4:1–2; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–2).
- Luke says “in those days he did eat nothing”, and none of the Gospels says whether Jesus drank water.
- Moses, Scripture tells us, neither ate bread nor drank water for forty days (Exodus 34:28), while Elijah ate and drank, then walked forty days (1 Kings 19:8).
- Luke 6:12 says Jesus prayed all night before choosing the Twelve, and it does not mention fasting.
- As an observant Jew, Jesus very likely kept the Day of Atonement fast, though no Gospel records it.
- Not every ancient manuscript has Matthew 17:21 or “and fasting” in Mark 9:29, so modern Bibles such as the NIV and ESV put those words in a footnote.
- Going without water for more than a short time is dangerous, so if you are planning a long fast, talk to a doctor first.
Bibliography (Click to show)
- King James Version: Exodus 24:18, 34:28; Leviticus 16:29; Deuteronomy 8:2–3, 9:9, 9:18; 1 Kings 19:8; Esther 4:16; Daniel 10:2–3; Matthew 4:1–11, 6:16–18, 9:14–15, 11:18–19, 17:21; Mark 1:12–14, 2:18–20, 9:29; Luke 2:41–42, 4:1–13, 6:12–13, 18:12; John 7:10; Acts 13:1–3, 27:9, BibleGateway.
- English Standard Version and New International Version, Matthew 17:19–22 and Mark 9:28–29 with footnotes, BibleGateway (ESV) and BibleGateway (NIV).
- New American Bible, Revised Edition, notes on Matthew 17:20–21, Mark 9:29 and Acts 27:9, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Matthew 17, Mark 9, Acts 27.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 538–540, “Jesus’ temptations”, vatican.va.
- Leo the Great, Sermons 39 and 40 (on Lent), tr. Charles Lett Feltoe, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, vol. 12, New Advent: Sermon 39, Sermon 40.
- Mishnah Yoma 8:1, William Davidson Edition, Sefaria.
- The Orthodox Faith, Volume II: Worship, “Great Lent” and “Lenten Fasting”, Orthodox Church in America: Great Lent, Lenten Fasting.
- The Book of Common Prayer (1662), the Collect for the First Sunday in Lent, The Church of England.
- The Augsburg Confession (1530), Article XXVI, “Of the Distinction of Meats”, Book of Concord.
- The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), chapter 21, section 5, Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
- “The Mount of Temptation: a beacon in the desert”, Christian Media Center, 18 October 2021, cmc-terrasanta.org.
- “Dehydration”, NHS, page last reviewed 1 May 2026, nhs.uk.
- “Dry Fasting: Why You Should Avoid It”, Cleveland Clinic, 16 July 2024, clevelandclinic.org.
- “What Is Intermittent Fasting?”, Cleveland Clinic, 26 January 2026, clevelandclinic.org.
- “Are Religious Fasts Safe for People With Diabetes?”, Cleveland Clinic, 15 March 2024, clevelandclinic.org.
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