Fast or Feast

This morning Pastor spoke on Matthew 9:14-17. I was curious as to what he would say about this passage. His first point was that religion's assumptions about fasting created an unhealthy expectation. God had ordained one fast per year (Leviticus 16:24--the Day of Atonement); the Pharisees demanded two per week. They thought their fasting was gaining them favor with God, but it wasn't. They thought they were displaying their holiness before others, because the way they fasted (not washing, unkempt hair, yucky clothes, etc.) made it obvious that they were fasting; they wanted people to notice them. God says that is all the praise they will get from their fasting; none will come from Him.

His second point was that fervent arguments for fasting reflected conflicting perspectives. On the one hand, sobering disciplines are beneficial. On the other hand, self-justifying duties are blinding. They could not see their need of Christ.

Third, fasting serves specific circumstances and challenges. It may be a physical restriction for spiritual sensitivity, a physical response to emotional/physical trauma, or a physical restraint for mental focus. The goal is to focus on God and enhance your relationship with Him. Fasting can prepare your heart to hear from God. It doesn't, however, win His favor or force Him to pay attention to you. It is a discipline of dependency associated with Scripture intake and prayer. It is a season of spiritual consideration and reflection, of realigning our hearts with God. The trauma may be something like the death of a loved one, a crisis, impending doom, uncertainty over circumstances, making an important decision, or associating with others' hardships. Fasting is a removal of the normal distractions of the day to focus our minds on God. It is never meritorious or man-centered, and never counters our need for God's mercy.

Fourthly, Jesus' aversion to fasting revealed His missional mindset. Eternity's hope was present. Salvation's crisis was looming. Transforming life was being offered. It was not time for His disciples to fast because the bridegroom was with them; therefore, it was not a time for mourning but for joy. Jesus' mission was not attached to what the Pharisees were teaching and embracing. The new life He brings is pictured as expanding. It would not go into their old system, just as new wine was not put into old wineskins, or a new patch on an old garment. It was not a new addition to old forms. The living truth of the gospel and their traditions do not go together. Christ was soon to be violently snatched away from His disciples, but right now was a joyous occasion, and not the time for fasting. With Christ in our hearts, we have a perpetual feast because of the new life within!

Rejoice in the Lord always,
and again I say, rejoice!
(Philippians 4:4)