Day 5 of Fasting

Day 5 – January 6, 2023
“Why Fast Now?”

Luke 5:33-35 - Then they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?”   And He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.”

This is an interesting conversation between Jesus and some religious leaders who were amazed that His disciples DID NOT fast. They were comparing their practices with John’s disciples and the Pharisees. They often fasted and prayed according TO TRADITION.

When we understand why the disciples didn’t fast, we can then understand why we should fast NOW.

Jesus answered that you cannot make the bridegroom’s attendants fast while the bridegroom is still with them (referring to Himself). But, when the bridegroom (Jesus) is taken away, those will be the days for the attendants to fast.

Question: So why do we fast NOW?

Answer: While Jesus walked the earth, His disciples were already in community with Him. But now that He is physically absent, Jesus’ disciples (a.k.a. us!) have the opportunity to connect to Him in greater intimacy through fasting.

THIS IS FOR US AND APPLIES TO OUR DAY AND AGE. NOW IS THE TIME FOR FASTING!
Love,
Pastor Brian Rabon

No Comments