Why do we fast? It seems SO counter-cultural in our consumer culture. So weird. So difficult.

In Matthew ch 9:14 we read how John’s disciples ask Jesus why his disciples don’t fast, but they and the Pharisees fast often. The first reason Jesus gives for “why do disciples fast” is:

Matt 9: ¹⁵  Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

Disciples fast because they miss the bridegroom – they fast for relationship. Jesus says that His disciples will fast when He has been resurrected and ascended, and when they long for His return in glory. They don’t fast for just “something”, but for “someone”. They fast to remember Him. They fast to know Him more. They fast to say “here I am Lord, use me.” They fast with hope and expectation of His presence and power and that He will come again.

In fasting & prayer, don’t just seek His “hands” but seek His face”. Don’t just fast for something, but for Someone. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that declares that we long for the Bridegroom to return in His full glory. In Him alone you will be fully satisfied…