Luke 5:33-35. Fasting
Fasting and Prayer: A Practice of Spiritual Discipline
In Luke 5:33-35, the Pharisees asked Jesus, “Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?”. Jesus responded, “Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days”.
This interaction reveals a fundamental difference between the religious practices of the Pharisees and Jesus’ approach to spirituality. While the Pharisees placed great emphasis on fasting and other outward displays of piety, Jesus focused on the inner transformation of the heart.
So, who does fasting and prayer according to Jesus’ teachings?
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus says, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly”.
From this passage, we can see that Jesus does not condemn fasting and prayer, but he does caution against doing it for show or to impress others. Instead, he encourages his followers to fast and pray as a form of spiritual discipline, a way of drawing closer to God and seeking His will in their lives.
Fasting and prayer can take many forms, but at its core, it is about putting aside our physical needs and desires in order to focus on our spiritual needs. It is a way of humbling ourselves before God, acknowledging our dependence on Him, and seeking His guidance and wisdom.
Conclusion:
As we practice fasting and prayer, we are reminded of our need for God and our dependence on Him for all things. We are also reminded of His love and faithfulness, as we experience His presence in new and powerful ways.
So, who does fasting and prayer according to Jesus’ teachings? It is not just for the religious elites or the super-spiritual, but for all who seek to draw closer to God and grow in their faith. May we all embrace this practice of spiritual discipline, and may it lead us to a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace in our lives. Amen.