City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

14 Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”

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.

Matthew 9:14-15

Exegesis

The disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus with a question. They were certainly curious and perhaps a bit peeved. They had been fasting while Jesus’ disciples were eating and drinking and enjoying life with Jesus. If you’ve ever fasted you know it’s a sacrifice. If you’ve ever had to fast while others around you are eating, you know it’s even more difficult. 

So, the disciples of John approach Jesus and just asked him straight up, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” (Matt. 9:14). Jesus’ answer? My paraphrase: “There is no need for my disciples to fast when I’m physically present with them, but when I’m gone they will need to fast.” (Matt. 9:15).

If you look at fasting as a way to get scoreboard with God you are missing the point. If that was the point, Jesus’ disciples should have been fasting during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Fasting is not a way to put God in your debt. Fasting is not transactional but relational.

For the Christian fasting is a way to quiet the flesh and one’s natural senses, draw near, and hear Jesus. It’s like putting on noise-cancelling Air Pod Pros; it helps quiet all the ambient sensory clutter and isolate your connection with Jesus in your spirit. Don’t ask me how it works; I don’t know, and I don’t need to know, any more than I need to know how Air Pod Pros work to enjoy their clear sound.

To be candid, I really hate the act of fasting. I’m not a big eater, but I’m certainly no ascetic. I don’t like being hungry. I don’t like how my brain slows down, and the energy drains from my body, and everything starts to move slower. But at some point it quiets down around me, and in the quiet I can hear.

Application

When Jesus was physically present on the earth, fasting wasn’t necessary to hear Jesus’ voice. Now, though, fasting is a valuable spiritual discipline that helps one’s spiritual ears hear His voice. 

Prayer

Lord, as I fast and reach the point of silence, help me to hear Your voice. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.