Fasting

The act of fasting is an ancient one, carried out for several reasons. In pre-Christian Ireland, for example, a person might have fasted on the doorstep of someone against whom he had a grudge. According to some historians, the culture’s strong emphasis on hospitality made it an insult for a person to starve on the doorstep of your home. Sometimes a person fasts to make a political statement, i.e., a hunger strike. Other times it is meant to show mourning or a lack of attachment to earthly needs. It might be exercised for a limited amount of time or on a regular basis or even as an ultimatum with the possibility of starvation.

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day fasted as a mark of piety, to show humility before God. They fasted on certain days throughout the year; fasting was often associated with prayer. Attention was given to God, rather than earthly needs or desires. In Matthew 9, Jesus’ disciples wondered about this common custom. Why didn’t Jesus require His followers to fast? Jesus reminded them that there was no need mourn while He was with them.

Our bridegroom has been taken away from us for now. Sometimes we might feel that sense of mourning, when the world feels like a dark and lonely place and our Savior is far away. But the time for mourning is only temporary and soon the bridegroom will return. It won’t be long until the darkness vanishes forever and the bridegroom arrives to receive His bride. The day of rejoicing is near! Our Savior, the bridegroom, will be with us forever.

Key Bible Texts

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? (Matthew 9:14 KJV)