Did Jesus Say We Need to Fast for Serious Petitions?

Matthew 17:14-21 describes Jesus healing a demon-possessed boy after the disciples’ failed attempt.

When they ask, Jesus tells the disciples their faith was too small to cast out the demon.

The passage emphasizes the power of faith, even in small amounts like a mustard seed, to perform miracles.

It also highlights Jesus’s frustration with the disciples’ lack of faith and the importance of prayer and dependence on God

Jesus explains that even a small amount of faith, like a mustard seed, can move mountains and accomplish seemingly impossible tasks. This is not a literal call to move mountains, but rather a metaphor for the power of faith in God’s ability.

Some commentaries highlight the role of prayer in overcoming spiritual obstacles, particularly in the context of battling spiritual forces.

But when taking Matthew 17:21 out of context and instead of emphasizing the need dependence on God, many suggests that some types of demons require prayer and fasting. Many emphasize that in this verse Jesus made a connection between fasting and spiritual warfare.¹

But early manuscripts do not contain Matthew 17 verse 21. Jesus did not say “except by prayer and fasting. (NASB) The NIV does not contain this verse, just a footnote saying it is not in early manuscripts.

The King James version of the Bible has Matthew 17:21 as “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (KJV)

Matthew 17:21 closely resembles Mark 9:29, but verse 21 is lacking in the original handwritten version of Matthew, and in some Italic & Syriac & Coptic & Ethipic manuscripts. The verses are believed to have been assimilated from Mark’s gospel by early Greek copyists.

Many people think that mountain-moving faith must be of great faith. Actually, Jesus says that all it takes is a mustard seed faith. In other words, Jesus is saying it doesn’t take much faith for impossibilities to become realities.

This verse, linking faith, prayer, and fasting is not found in the earliest biblical manuscripts, raises questions about biblical accuracy and translation practices.

Some have misused Matthew 17:14-21 to suggest that faith can be used to manipulate God or achieve selfish desires. However, the passage emphasizes faith in God’s will and reliance on His power.

Another common misunderstanding of Matthew 7:21 is that it teaches salvation is earned by good works rather than received through faith in Jesus. Some interpret the verse to mean that simply calling Jesus “Lord” is not enough for salvation, and that one must also do the will of the Father to be saved. However, this interpretation can be seen as a works-based understanding of salvation, contradicting other biblical teachings on grace and faith.

Matthew 17:14-21 also underscores the idea that growing in faith is a journey, not a destination, and that believers should continually seek to deepen their relationship with God.

The healing of the demon-possessed boy is also recorded in Mark 9:14-29, providing a slightly different perspective on the event.

So no, Jesus did not say, “except by prayer and fasting.”

Although the Bible doesn’t give a direct command on the requirement of fasting, examples of fasting appear in both the Old and the New Testaments, i.e. Matthew 6:16, where Jesus is teaching His disciples the basic principle “when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting .” (NSB)

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In conclusion, consider the Daily Bread email message sent on 7/2/2025 which says

Matthew 17:21 – But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (NASB)

Early manuscripts do not contain this verse (Matthew 17:21) The NIV does not contain this verse, just a footnote saying it is not in early manuscripts. The King James has: ²¹Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting (KJV).

The Bible does not give a direct command on the requirement of fasting, but gives examples of fasting in both the Old and the New Testaments, i.e. Matthew 6:16, where Jesus is teaching His disciples the basic principle “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full .” (NASB)

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Cited References:

Baxter, Mary K.. Spiritual Warfare Self-Study Bible Course, (New Kensington, PA; Whitaker House, Kindle Edition), 2012

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